Finding the right tips for surviving a long-distance relationship can feel overwhelming when two people care deeply about each other but live far apart.
Distance can test patience, trust, and emotions, yet it does not have to end a meaningful relationship.
Many couples build strong, lasting bonds even if they only see each other a few times a monthโor even once or twice a year. What matters most is how both partners respond to the distance between them.
With steady effort, clear communication, and emotional care, couples can stay connected and learn how to make a long-distance relationship work, even when miles stand in the way.
Understanding distance in modern relationships
Before exploring tips for surviving a long-distance relationship, it helps to understand what โlong distanceโ truly means.
According to a study conducted by Mary Holmes, there is no single definition. Some experts describe it as a relationship where partners spend many nights apart each week.
Others define it as couples who go long periods without seeing each other.
However, Holmes suggests a more practical way to define it: travel difficulty.
If two people live far enough apart that seeing each other often is difficult or unrealistic, they are in a long-distance relationship.
This experience can vary significantly depending on location and lifestyle. For example, two people living in New York and Philadelphia may feel far apart because travel takes time and effort.
Meanwhile, two people living 90 miles apart in rural Montana may not view their relationship as long-distance, as long drives are part of their daily life.
This is why effective long-distance relationship advice focuses on how couples experience distance, not just the number of miles between them.
Are long-distance relationships healthy?
Research indicates that long-distance relationships can be just as healthy as those where couples live in close proximity.
A study by Kelmer, Rhoades, Stanley, and Markman (2013) found that individuals in long-distance relationships are just as motivated to connect with their partners as those in nearby relationships.
At the same time, they found that these couples often feel less trapped in their relationships.
This sense of freedom matters. When partners are not expected to see each other every day, time together becomes a choice rather than an obligation.
As a result, couples may value their time together more deeply. This insight is crucial for anyone seeking to navigate a long-distance relationship successfully without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.
Effort is another key factor. A 2010 research by Andy J. Merolla shows that long-distance couples often put more intentional effort into maintaining their relationship than couples who live in the same area.
Merolla found that these couples are more likely to plan phone calls, send thoughtful messages, and schedule meaningful conversations.
Because long-distance partners spend more time apart and often socialize separately, Merolla also noted that they tend to discuss boundaries, expectations, and trust more openly.
This kind of communication forms the foundation of strong long-distance relationship advice.
Why mindset and communication matter
Beyond effort, perspective plays a powerful role. Research by Li Crystal Jiang in 2022 found that long-distance couples often adjust their communication style to suit their situation.
According to Jiang, success is not just about doing more, but about thinking differently.
Couples who live apart often try harder to share daily moments, emotions, and challenges.
Because of this openness, Jiang found that partners often see each other as more honest and emotionally present.
This shift in perception helps couples feel close, even without physical closeness.
Why some long-distance relationships fail
Even with strong effort, some relationships struggle. According to Sandra Krapf, physical distance itself can become a barrier over time.
The farther people must travel to see each other, the more difficult it becomes to maintain a long-term relationship.
Emotional health also matters. Research by Cameron and Ross in 2007 found that long-distance relationships are more likely to end when one or both partners experience high levels of insecurity or negative emotions.
Cameron explains that when worries are left unresolved, trust can erode slowly.
This is why honest communication and emotional awareness are essential parts of long-distance relationship advice.
Ignoring problems rarely helps, while addressing them early often strengthens the bond.
Red flags couples should watch for
Certain warning signs suggest a long-distance relationship may be at risk.
A study by Dainton and Aylor (2001) identifies one major red flag: long periods without seeing each other in person.
Dainton found that couples who lack upcoming visits often feel less secure and less committed to each other.
Another major concern involves boundaries.
According to McRae and Cobb’s 2020 study, couples must agree on communication habits, exclusivity, and the duration of their separation.
They explain that when couples cannot agree on these basics, stress increases and trust suffers.
Recognizing these red flags early allows couples to apply practical tips for navigating a long-distance relationship before problems escalate.
Tips for Surviving a Long-Distance Relationship: 15 Expert-Backed Strategies
Life and relationship coach Kavita Patel shares some tips for surviving a long-distance relationship with BRIDES. Patel says emotional closeness matters more than physical presence.
โEmotional connection and support are so important in a long distance relationship,โ she said. โKeeping in touch and involving each other in daily feelings and situations is powerful to keep a feeling of intimacy flowing.โ
Based on expert insight and research, here are clear, practical ways couples can stay connected and emotionally strong.
1. Pick Up the Phone
Texting is easy, but Patel explains that hearing a voice or seeing a face helps avoid misunderstandings and builds emotional closeness.
2. Talk in the Morning and at Night
Patel says daily check-ins help partners feel included in each otherโs lives, especially during times when loneliness is strongest.
3. Meet in Person Regularly
โItโs important to see each other as much as possible,โ said Patel. โI know depending on the distance it can feel hard, but itโs important.โ
4. Always Plan the Next Visit
Knowing when the next visit will happen gives couples hope and something to look forward to.
5. Visit Each Otherโs Daily Lives
Patel explains that visiting each otherโs homes helps partners understand routines and real-life responsibilities.
6. Ask About Each Otherโs Feelings
โShow your care and concern and your willingness to be there through it all,โ said Patel.
7. Be Ready to Plan Emergency Visits
If one partner feels deeply disconnected, Patel advises seeing each other sooner than planned when possible.
8. Surprise Each Other With Small Gestures
Sending flowers or ordering food shows care when physical presence is not possible.
9. Keep Romance Alive
Romantic or flirty messages help maintain attraction and emotional connection.
10. Make Time for Virtual Romance
Setting aside time for meaningful video calls helps maintain intimacy and connection.
11. Speak Up When Something Feels Off
Patel encourages couples to trust their instincts and talk openly when things feel different.
12. Make Each Other a Priority
Both partners must continue to choose the relationship and make an effort to maintain it.
13. Reflect on Personal Needs
Knowing what feels good helps partners support each other better.
14. Focus on the Positives
Distance can make time together feel fresh and deeply valued.
15. Cherish Every Moment
According to Patel, distance often makes couples appreciate each moment more, whether they are together in person or online.
Building love that can cross any distance
Ultimately, the key to surviving a long-distance relationship lies in effort, honesty, and emotional care.
With thoughtful long-distance relationship advice and a shared commitment, many couples discover that distance does not weaken loveโit deepens it.
Learning how to make a long-distance relationship work takes time and effort. Still, for those willing to try, the connection built across the miles is often worth every step.
Watch Psych2Goโs 7 Stages of a Long Distance Relationship to see how love grows and changes across the miles.
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