Romantic relationships can be a true challenge for many people. They take time, effort and patience and that goes double for long distance ones. Even if modern technology allows couples to stay in touch over the miles that separate them, nothing could really compare to physical closeness, to in-person interactions. And that reasoning alone explains why long distance relationships usually have only two outcomes: either they end or the partners make the decision to live in the same location.
Moving forward has always been a priority in all serious relationships. Partners willing to make a commitment should be able to look back to their love journey and notice the progress they have made, as well as envision their future together. Living in the moment is a great philosophy, still, it is good to know that you are going somewhere when you invest so much of your time and feelings into a relationship.
Keeping your relationship on a progressive path is a skill that comes in handy, particularly when you are thousands of miles apart from your loved one. Here are ten ideas that might help you learn how to move forward in a relationship.
No matter how you meet or how your relationship begins, you should decide where it is going and whether you can envision a future together. When things start to get serious, you should probably ask yourself if you’d be willing to move in order to be closer to your significant other. Knowing that someday you will have the chance to close the distance might help with the challenges that LDRs pose. Planning a possible life for the two of you will bring optimism and a sense of stability into your relationship, especially after you’ve been together and apart for a longer period of time.
The ultimate goal of every LDR is to eventually share a zip code. However, the transition from meeting in person every couple of weeks to living together day and night might not be as easy as one thinks. So, when the time comes, consider changing the status of your relationship gradually, step by step, to ensure the success of your decision.
Although it may take thorough planning and working around busy schedules, think about organizing longer visits, as the relationship moves forward. You need to spend more time together and see if you could possibly contemplate moving in with your partner once you decide to be in the same location. Moreover, both of you should get to know each other’s city, in case you settle down to one of your current places.
LDRs are different from conventional relationships and it is better to know what you are getting yourself into. It’s important to be true to yourself about your feelings and about what you expect from your partner, since sharing a connection with someone who is far away is not always easy and requires strength and patience on your part.
If you are the kind of person that just needs to be with their beloved 24/7 or pick up the phone every time you find something interesting you have got to tell them. Maybe a long distance relationship is not the way to go. Remote couples understand that most of the time, they work around different time zones and they try to be mindful of each other’s schedules.
It’s not enough to know what to expect from a challenging connection, you must be open and honest to your mate about it. People involved in long distance relationships must be on the same page, not only about the daily management of the situation, but also about long term goals. The distance often pressures partners to define their status, so don’t be afraid to discuss topics like how often you want to visit each other, whether you could date other people or not, or for how long you are willing to be in a LDR.
It truly helps to visualize the endgame, as you can’t make life plans if you don’t know exactly when you are finally going to be together for good. Conversations about expectations enable remote couples to learn how to move forward in a relationship and how to find their own ways to consolidate their bond. Therefore, check in with your loved one once in a while to see if you are still on the same page about what matters to both of you.
One of the best things of being in a long distance relationship is that you get to experience it with a fresh mindset and get rid of all those obsolete social conventions. For instance, you can set your own timeline for the relationship and reconsider some of its milestones, like meeting your partner’s family or going on your first vacation together.
When you don’t spend too much time with the person you care deeply for, it is quite simple to believe that your relationship is all fun and stimulating. Our flaws and fears can be easily kept secret during virtual dates and video chats. But in long term connections that are worth pursuing, you need to be yourself, to show the person across the screen how you really are. It is vital to get to know each other pretty well if you both want to move forward.
To that effect, you can choose to share everyday moments like getting ready for work or preparing a meal or video calling to say “Good morning” right after you wake up without caring about the way you look.
Trust is essential to the success of a long distance relationship, it represents the foundation you need to build before even considering the future. There are so many moments both partners spend with other people and so many instants triggering jealousy, that only strong and open communication can help a couple work through them. If you want to know how to move forward in a relationship, the first step for you to take is to develop a bond of trust.
When you don’t see each other every day, chances are for you to lose focus on your relationship, especially if you have been together for a long time. You may be tempted to skip one or two calls when you are busy at work or tired and that is alright, as long as you don’t turn it into a habit. If you want your LDR to actually work you need to make sure you prioritize your interactions and make time to talk about your day or to go on amazing virtual dates.
The time spent apart could be useful for both the remote couple and the partners individually. You could take advantage of all the free hours you get to yourself and sign up for classes or take up new hobbies, improve your skills and your life. This will also help with the anguish of the distance between you and it will make you stronger and better “equipped” to face the difficulties of being away from each other for so long.
It is easier to make plans for a future together when you feel good about the current status and don’t waste your precious time complaining about it.
Maintaining a satisfying level of intimacy is a challenge in long-distance relationships. It is hard to feel close and connected when you are miles and miles away from the person you would like so much to snuggle with each night. Still, there are different ways to be intimate with your significant other, even across the distance. You just have to keep an open mind and pay attention to what your partner needs.
A high level of intimacy leads to a powerful and meaningful connection and it allows partners to feel closer and involved in each other’s life. In the long run, sustained intimacy creates new possibilities for the development of long distance relationships and sets the premises for a fulfilling romantic future.
