10 Ways on How to Stay Emotionally Connected in a Long Distance Relationship
Maintaining a long-distance relationship is one of the difficult pills that some couples have to take. The physical distance between partners can cause untold damage to a relationship if care is not taken.
Therefore, becoming emotionally connected couples is vital to keep the relationship in good shape. In this article, you will learn how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship.
What does a long-distance relationship mean?
A long-distance relationship is an intimate or romantic relationship where the partners are not in the same geographical location or within the same proximate area. This means they might not be able to see regularly because of the distance constraints.
Partners in long-distance relationships will only see face-to-face if they leverage technology. Hence, it becomes imperative for them to know how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship.
Hong Li wrote a research study on Long-distance relationships and how couples can connect. The title of this study is Connecting Coupes in Long-Distance relationships through different communication modes.
Why is emotional connection important in relationships?
An emotional connection is an intimacy between two individuals, transcending the physical attraction they may share. This feeling is the sense of alignment and connection you have with someone that makes you feel safe.
Relationships need to have an emotional connection because it keeps them going when things are beginning to look bleak. The absence of a profound emotional connection in a relationship may cause conflict and build resentment in the long run.
Therefore, establishing an emotional connection is one of the ways to cope with a long-distance relationship.
15 signs that true love exists in a long-distance relationship
Keeping a long-distance relationship is one of the biggest challenges that some couples go through. This is because creating and nurturing that special bond might be difficult, especially when they are not in the same location.
However, some partners have been able to brave all odds and remain truly in love with each other despite the long-distance relationship struggles.
Here are some signs of true love in a long-distance relationship.
1. They always remind you of how much they miss you
One of the signs that couples are emotionally connected and truly in love with each other is when they never fail to mention how they miss your presence.
People in long-distance relationships who love their partners do not keep this from them. They might take every opportunity to remind their partner that their presence is sorely missed.
2. The commitment remains strong
Another way to know that true love exists in a long-distance relationship is by looking at the commitment level.
Although they stay far apart, partners in love will try to reduce their mental distance.
They may do everything possible to remain in touch and perform their relationship duties so that the other party will not feel abandoned or lonely.
Watch this video on how to be committed in a long-distance relationship:
3. There is patience and understanding
Showing patience and understanding is another sign of a long-distance relationship where true love is.
Partners truly in love will be patient to know that communication and other aspects of the relationship might not be smooth because of the occurrences at the other end. So, they will understand those moments when work has gotten serious or even when you need some time alone.
4. Both partners trust each other
One of the signs that there is true love in a long-distance relationship is when partners trust each other. They may not know what their partners are doing, but they feel safe knowing that their actions will not harm the relationship.
Therefore, they may not need to know details about their activities because they completely trust each other.
Related Reading: 15 Ways on How to Build Trust in a Relationship
5. Their loved ones know about the relationship
If you or your partner are truly in love with each other despite the long-distance relationship, it will not be a secret to your family and friends.
When your loved ones are aware of your relationship, it could become easier for you to cope with the long-distance relationship because you have familiar people around you. Additionally, it may become easier to be accountable to the relationship because your loved ones are counting on you.
6. You have future goals you look forward to
Even though you and your partner live far away from each other, one of the signs that you are truly in love is that you still have future goals you want to achieve.
This means that these future goals could always be one of the reasons why you keep hoping that things will get better and you will be together again. You and your partner will find it difficult to imagine a life without the other person.
7. There is mutual respect
Any relationship that wants to be successful and solid needs mutual respect. Therefore, one of the signs of how to make long-distance relationships work is to establish respect between both parties.
So, even though you are not within physical reach of your partner, you still respect their opinions, feelings, and everything related to them.
Related Reading: 10 Reasons Why Respect Is Important in a Relationship
8. They are interested in your activities
When you and your partner are interested in your activities despite the long distance, it could mean that you are still truly in love with each other.
For instance, if you are in love with a man, he feels emotionally connected when he shows genuine interest in what you are doing.
He might also want to know the people in your life, your wins, losses, career or business goals, etc.
9. You will try to see each other physically
If you and your partner truly love each other, you could try to see each other despite the distance. It might not be a regular occurrence, but it would be well-timed to compensate for the time spent apart.
When two people in love with each other don’t make an effort to see at some interval, it might be challenging to sustain the bond and vibe in the relationship.
Related Reading: 6 Signs of Physical Attraction and Why It Is so Important in a Relationship
10. Promises are not broken
Since a long-distance relationship is a sensitive factor for some couples, they may not make promises that they can’t keep to avoid hurting their partner.
Making promises and breaking them could be emotionally exhausting for a long-distance relationship. It can make partners begin to doubt each other, especially their commitments to the relationship.
Related Reading: Breaking Promises in a Relationship – How to Deal With It
11. Unhealthy arguments are not entertained
In a long-distance relationship, there might be a tendency for more misunderstandings and heightened emotions. This is why couples truly in love will try every possible best to avoid unhealthy and unproductive arguments.
They may rather focus on looking forward to seeing each other in the future.
Related Reading: How to Handle Relationship Arguments
12. Both partners live an independent and happy life
Couples in a long-distance relationship who are truly in love will not prevent each other from living a happy and independent life. Their commitment to the relationship will not prevent each other from living their lives.
Additionally, they know how important it is for their partner to achieve balance in other aspects of their lives without the relationship tag.
13. They respect decisions made without them
Partners in a long-distance relationship who genuinely love each other will not be unhappy when anyone makes decisions independently.
When they hear about it later, they will give their support and proffer some suggestions. They trust each other’s judgment and expertise in handling issues.
14. They create time for each other
One of the challenges that couples in long-distance relationships may face is creating time for each other. It could be more difficult when they are in different time zones. However, couples who truly love each other will set some time apart to spend with their partner, irrespective of the hindrances.
Related Reading: 15 Reasons Why Quality Time Is So Important in a Relationship
15. They settle conflicts by understanding
It could be normal for partners in long-distance relationships to experience conflicts. Still, one of the ways to know that they are emotionally connected is when they settle with understanding.
They will prevent unsettled conflicts that could build into resentment.
Benefits that come with a long-distance relationship
When people hear the term “long-distance relationship,” they are more likely to start thinking about the difficulty of maintaining a relationship where two partners are not in the same location.
However, being in a long-distance relationship could make you appreciate your partner more since you miss them, and the distance is not helping matters.
Also, you will look forward to every little time you spend with them because of the distance. Sometimes, you become more creative and committed to making the relationship work because the resources at your disposal are limited.
Ten ways to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship
Some couples in a long-distance relationship may face the challenge of staying emotionally connected because the ability to undertake some activities is limited.
Therefore, knowing how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship is more important to prevent the love from waxing cold.
Here are some ways how to survive a long-distance relationship
1. Try to prioritize communication
While you and your partner have individual obligations to live up to, it is crucial to prioritize communication. This is one of the ways that you can keep the passion in your relationship alive despite the distance.
You can set a time that works best for you or create a system that allows communication to flow seamlessly.
2. Remain open about your feelings and thoughts for each other
Another way to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship is to avoid holding back your feelings and thoughts for your partner. If you feel your partner isn’t meeting some of the standards, you can tell them instead of keeping it to yourself.
3. Set up virtual dates
Going on virtual dates is a great way on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship. You and your partner can have the date at home or a fancy restaurant where you would watch each other eat, write a letter for a long-distance boyfriend or girlfriend, play games, etc.
4. Know the major activities your partner is involved in
Partners who are not in the same location can be more aware of their partner’s major activities as a way on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship. It is essential to be a part of other aspects of your partner’s life, even though they are not in the same location as you.
5. Send thoughtful gifts to each other
You and your partner can use gifts to fill the void in the long-distance relationship. Sending thoughtful gifts to your partner is one of the ways on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship. This will give the both of you something physical to hold on to.
6. Share some moments of your daily life with them
While you go about your daily life, one of the ways on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship is to share some of your moments with your partner.
For instance, you can get ready for work and jump on a video call with them so that they can see what you’re doing.
7. Restate your commitment to the relationship
Reminding each other about your commitment to the relationship is one of the ways on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship. Doing this will help you remain accountable to your promises and each other.
8. Improve the quality of your conversations
In a long-distance relationship, partners must also focus on improving their conversations with time. It could be achieved by trying to spice up the quality of partners’ questions and discussions.
Additionally, tweaking the communication mode could help. You and your partner could jump on a video call today and have a regular phone call the next day.
9. Attend virtual counseling sessions together
You and your partner may need regular counseling to keep the spark alive in your relationship and make you more goal-oriented in the union.
The two of you can use virtual relationship counseling sessions as one of the ways on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship.
10. Try to plan physical visits once in a while
Planning a physical visit is a great way on how to stay emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship.
Depending on the distance between the two of you, find a way for you and your partner to see physically to keep the relationship alive.
To understand more on how to handle Long-Distance Relationships, check out this book by Shon Scholtes titled Long Distance Relationship. This book will help to transform your relationship from loneliness to connection.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about long-distance relationships.
1. Can a relationship last without any emotional connection?
Having a long-lasting relationship without any emotional connection may not be sustainable. The lack of emotional connection in a relationship means both parties might feel unsafe, loved, and supported.
2. How to show love in a long-distance relationship?
Love can be shown in a long-distance relationship by communicating regularly, scheduling physical visits, restating your commitments to the relationship, etc.
The takeaway
If you know some couples in long-distance relationships doing fairly well, it may be okay to find out what they are doing correctly to improve your relationship.
With the points mentioned in this article, you can apply some tips on staying emotionally connected in a long-distance relationship. Consider seeing a relationship counselor for more clarity when struggling with a long-distance relationship.
Sylvia Shipp wrote what may be regarded as the guidebook for Long Distance relationships. So, if you’re in a long-distance relationship, you need this book to pull through.
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