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Long-distance relationships present unique challenges and can take some time to get used to. The good news is that long-distance relationships can work and actually flourish if you and your significant other are willing to put in the work! If you’re about to be or are already in a long-distance relationship, check out these 5 tips for keeping the connection healthy and strong:

Trust

It is important to have trust in any relationship, but when you’re long distance it’s vital. Lack of trust in long distance relationships can lead to jealousy, suspicion, doubt, etc. Of course, when you’re far away from your partner it can be hard not to think that they’re with someone else, but you and your partner shouldn’t let lack of trust ruin your relationship.

You should be able to have faith in one another to know that neither of you will cheat. If you both are committed to each other and keep healthy conversations going, then there should be nothing to worry about or be suspicious of. When both parties in a long distance relationship make each other a priority, it creates a stronger bond for the relationship to survive. Check out these tips for learning how to trust again if you’ve been hurt before.

Communication

Open communication can make it easier to navigate your long distance relationship and maintain an emotional connection with your partnermunication can also go a long way in helping you resolve any issues or conflicts that may occur during your long-distance relationship. In a situation where you’re far away from each other, you have lost the physical aspect of body language, so it’s important to verbally communicate things to your partner. Since you or your partner cannot guess the mood or body language of one another through the phone or over text, you should always speak up about what you’re feeling so that there is no void being created in the relationship. You can also take advantage of the distance by sending your partner a letter or care package through snail mail! Taking the extra time to communicate in a special way can show your partner just how much you care.

Set Expectations

Before any relationship is long distance, there should be expectations in place for what you want and what your partner wants. Know and communicate with your partner how often you would like to postitse jГ¤rjestyksessГ¤ morsian call/text, video chat, or even visit each other in person. Setting these expectations beforehand ensures that you both can rely on a regular schedule to talk to one another and makes sure that you have free time to give each other your undivided attention. These scheduled times to talk to each other don’t have every day or the same time. What’s most important is setting a schedule based on what works for you and your partner to ensure you both are making time for each other.

Have Virtual Date Nights

With the technology we have today, there is more you can do through the phone now instead of just talking to one another. Setting up virtual date nights can help keep the romance alive in long distance relationships and ensure you all are still spending quality time together.

Some ideas for a virtual date night: find online cooking classes, have movie nights, do virtual museum tours, take painting classes, or simply enjoy each other’s company. Platforms such as Zoom and Facetime allow you to not only see and talk to your partner, but you can also use other features that allow for different interactions which makes virtual date nights easier to do. An active sex life can also help keep your relationship healthy and it doesn’t just have to be in person! Check out these tips for learning how to practice safe sexting with your partner.

Keep a Positive Mindset

It’s very hard to be away from the person you love, but there are ways that you can still spend time together and make the relationship work. Keeping a positive mindset is easier said than done but having optimistic outlook can help you focus on ways that can make your long distance relationship work rather than focusing on the fact that you all are apart from each other.

When you’re in a long distance relationship, it can also give you the opportunity to be independent and spend time with your family and friends. Sometimes a relationship can be unhealthy when you spend too much time with your partner and not your other loved ones. Being away from each other can possibly help you figure out who you are and develop things that you like to do on your own or with friends. Long distance relationships can help you divide your time between the people in your life so that you aren’t neglecting anyone or yourself.

Long distance relationships can stay alive if both parties are willing to put in the work and effort. It definitely takes some getting used to, but if you and your partner trust one another, set up expectations, communicate effectively, have date nights, and stay positive about the situation then your relationship can work long distance! It’s even possible that you and your significant other can visit each other when the both of you find time. A relationship can still be beautiful even when you’re miles away from each other, and there are ways to keep a healthy relationship even if you’re not together all the time. And if you aren’t sure if a long distance relationship will work for you, consider asking yourself these questions!

Emani Brooks is a senior at Suitland High School in Maryland. She currently is the President of the Suitland National Honor Society Chapter for the class of 2022. Emani plans to study Business Administration upon graduating high school and hopes to pursue a career in social media management.