You’ve just found out that your partner is being transferred to a new location or has to head overseas for school, business or family — what do you do?
If you cannot all relocate or if the move is only temporary, then you will have to make things work through a long distance relationship. This can be trying in the best of times but it is completely possible to make it work and even strengthen your relationship in the process. Absence makes the heart grow fonder” – and so do these long distance relationship tips.
1. Set a date night.
Sure, you can’t go out for dinner together or see a movie in a cinema together, but you can still enjoy date night through Skype or Facebook Video. Skype makes it easy to spend time together and it is free! So cook up a meal and set a time to Skype while you eat. You can enjoy conversation, good food and a glass of wine with your loved one, even if he is on the other side of the world. This can work with a number of activities. While it may seem a little odd cozying up to your computer and watching a movie through Skype, it can work.
2. Keep the lines of communication open.
Before your partner is due to leave, make sure you have a good phone plan in place that allows for cheap texts and phone calls. Aim to send a text message at least twice a day (good night and good morning) even if you have nothing new to report. It’s always nice to hear from your loved one. Keep each other up to date on all the happenings, how the kids are doing in school, your latest phone bill, sounds mundane but it is the little things that will make your partner feel like he’s ‘in the loop’ whilst he is away.
Another nice idea (if possible) is to mail your partner small mementos. Whether it be a hand-written letter, a photo or some of the kids’ art – having a bit of home will help ease the heartache. It’s also great for the kids to get involved – they will miss Dad too!
3. Join a Facebook group with other mums in the same boat.
No one understands what it is like for a loved one to work away – except other mums or dads in the same boat as you! Find a local group for Fly In Fly Out Mums or similar – somewhere where you can vent when times are hard, or to reach out and just talk to someone about the issues you face. A problem halved is a problem solved!
4. Play online games together.
I love this suggestion. There are loads of really cool games on your smart phone that you can play with your partner at times that suit you both. Think of things like:
- Trivia Crack
- Scrabble
- Second Life – is an online role playing game!
- Monopoly
Playing together might not be ‘being-together’ – but it is something you can both do and have fun!
Next Page: More ways to make long distance relationships work
Responses to “11 Ways To Make Long Distance Relationships Suck Less”
This must be really hard on families! Your great tips should really help them, well done xo
Great tips! My husband works overseas and we can go months without seeing each other. We have a 18 month old boy and Skype is fantastic for them to be able to see each other! My son points at the computer and says “daddy” very cute. Communication is definitely the key and our relationship is just and strong, if not stronger than ever before!