6 Ways To Enhance Your Long-Distance Relationship

Are you having difficulty in making a long-distance relationship work or are you looking for ways to improve a long-distance relationship

Whether you’ve been dating long-distance for months or married for years, here are some creative things to do in a long-distance relationship, things to make long-distance relationships easier, and things to ensure that absence makes your heart grow fonder.

1. Use social media platforms to stay connected

Surprisingly, just making Virtual eye contact through social media can trigger Oxytocin, the feel-good, and bonding hormone that helps couples keep up a long-distance relationship and feel close.

According to Paul Zak, a professor at Claremont Graduate University in California, video conferencing is about 80% effective in producing Oxytocin.

And, Professor Shelley Taylor of UCLA states, “The anticipated social contact like a FaceTime call, may result in bursts of the hormone.” Video platforms are more powerful than we know.

2. Have a meaningful conversation

While it’s important to catch up on the latest current and family events, don’t forget to let your partner know how you feel about him/her/them.

Tell your partner what you miss most about them, like how it feels to sleep without them or eat breakfast alone. Perhaps you can also share the loneliness, isolation, or fatigue you are experiencing.

3. Be vulnerable. It connects us

Having worked with many couples over my thirty years in practice,

Speaking from the heart about our fears, our shame, our love, or joy connects us.

Assuming you are with a partner that you feel safe with, sharing your deepest feelings with them helps them empathize and understand you better. And, frequently, when you start to share, your partner may begin to open up too.

4. Have some fun

Playing games online isn’t just an activity that connects you; it can help relieve stress in a long-distance relationship.

Playing games like: Words With Friends, You Don’t Know Jack, Uno, Cards Against Humanity, and Skribbl are bonding even though you are apart.

Just anticipating your partner’s next move, will help you feel closer. You can even eat dinner together virtually while you are playing.

Also watch: Long distance date ideas.

5. Make a book for your partner

There’s nothing like receiving a book about yourself from your partner through FaceTime or Zoom.

Just take a few index cards, punch holes on the left side, and put twist-ties in the holes to bind it. Title it: Why you’re the greatest or What I miss Most About You.

Paste magazine pictures or words on each card. When you’re finished, hold each page up to the camera. Your partner will be touched and may even decide to write one for you.

6. Plan a future trip

Decide where your next vacation will be. Both of you can do research and compare notes. If you don’t have the funds right now, plan an imaginary vacation in an exotic land depicting the birds and flowers endemic to that place.

Being creative together joins you, and seeing beautiful images relieves stress. Planning a lovely trip in a long-distance relationship gives you both something to dream about together.

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Nancy Simon LCSW

Nancy Simon, L.C.S.W, has been treating couples for over 29 years. She received her Masters from the University of Chicago and specializes in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. She loves working with anyone who has relationship challenges especially those people who are sensitive and creative.... Read more After just a few sessions, some couples report feeling much more hopeful about their relationship. Couples leave with tools and a new Way to manage anger and disappointment. For motivated clients, Nancy can help you transform your relationship.     For more information or to refer a friend, please visit:  www.nancysimontherapy.com Read less

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