{"id":54458,"date":"2020-08-26T09:33:39","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T09:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=54458"},"modified":"2022-08-26T09:35:10","modified_gmt":"2022-08-26T09:35:10","slug":"ways-to-enhance-your-long-distance-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/ways-to-enhance-your-long-distance-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Ways To Enhance Your Long-Distance Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

Are you having difficulty in making a long-distance relationship work or are you looking for ways to improve a long-distance relationship<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>1. Use social media platforms to stay connected<\/span><\/h2>\n

Surprisingly, just making <\/span>Virtual <\/b>eye contact through social media can <\/span>trigger Oxytocin<\/span><\/a>, the feel-good, and bonding hormone that helps couples keep up a long-distance relationship and feel close.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Paul Zak<\/span><\/a>, a professor at Claremont Graduate University in California, video conferencing is about 80% effective in producing Oxytocin.<\/span><\/p>\n

And, <\/span>Professor Shelley Taylor <\/span><\/a>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>2. Have a meaningful conversation<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>3. Be vulnerable. It connects us<\/span><\/h2>\n

Having worked with many couples over my thirty years in practice,<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking from the heart<\/span><\/a> about our fears, our shame, our love, or joy connects us.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>4. Have some fun<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Playing games online<\/span><\/a> isn’t just an activity that connects you; it can help relieve stress in a long-distance relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing games like: Words With Friends, You Don’t Know Jack, Uno, Cards Against Humanity, and Skribbl are bonding even though you are apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just anticipating your partner’s next move, will help you feel closer. You can even eat dinner together virtually while you are playing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also watch: Long distance date ideas.<\/span>