Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are increasingly common in today’s world, where travel, work, and education often separate couples for extended periods. Maintaining a connection while miles apart can be challenging, but with effort, creativity, and strong communication, couples can keep the spark alive and even strengthen their bond. This article provides practical tips for maintaining closeness and connection in a long-distance relationship, as well as delving into psychology’s wisdom on guiding the unique challenges that come with it. Here are 11 sweet things to do in a long-distance relationship.

From a psychological perspective, long-distance relationships require strong communication, trust, and emotional resilience. While physical proximity often plays a significant role in traditional relationships, attachment theory suggests that emotional connection is just as crucial. Psychologists note that couples in long-distance relationships often need to be more intentional about how they communicate and express love, which can deepen emotional intimacy.

Research shows that long-distance couples who prioritize open and honest communication are often more satisfied with their relationships than those who don’t. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Communication found that couples in LDRs reported greater intimacy through frequent, meaningful communication than couples who lived close to each other. The key to success in a long-distance relationship is not how far apart you are but how committed you are to maintaining emotional closeness. Here are 11 sweet things to do in a long-distance relationship.

11 Sweet Things to Do in a Long-Distance Relationship

1. Send Handwritten Letters or Love Notes

In the digital age, receiving a physical letter feels incredibly personal and thoughtful. Writing love letters by hand and mailing them to your partner is a sweet way to show you’re thinking of them. You can share your thoughts, dreams, and even memories of when you were last together.

Example: Write a letter detailing your favorite memories with your partner or describe what you miss most about them. Add little doodles, spritz your perfume or cologne on the paper, or enclose a small keepsake. These extra touches can make the letter feel even more special and heartfelt.

2. Schedule Virtual Date Nights

Just because you’re far apart doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a “date night” together. Plan a virtual date where you can watch the same movie, cook a meal together, or play an online game.

Example: Set a time to watch a movie on Netflix Party or Teleparty, where you can sync the movie and chat in real time. You could also cook the same recipe together over a video call, chatting and laughing as you compare your results. Virtual date nights help you maintain the feeling of closeness and shared experiences, even across the distance.

3. Send Surprise Care Packages

Surprise your partner with a care package filled with their favorite snacks, personal gifts, or items that remind them of you. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care and helps bridge the gap when you can’t be physically present.

Example: Include little treats like their favorite candy, a cozy pair of socks, a framed photo of the two of you, or a small gift that has meaning in your relationship, like a book they’ve been wanting to read. Adding a personal note or small surprises makes it even more special.

4. Create a Joint Playlist

Music has the ability to bring people together. Create a shared playlist where each of you adds songs that remind you of each other or represent your relationship.

Example: Every week, you and your partner can add new songs to the playlist, whether they’re tunes you both love or songs that make you think of each other. You can listen to the playlist while you’re apart, creating a musical connection even when you’re miles away.

5. Celebrate Milestones Creatively

Celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or other special occasions from afar can be tricky, but with creativity, you can make these moments memorable.

Example: On your anniversary, you could create a video montage of your favorite moments together, set to your favorite song. Or, send a series of small gifts, each one representing a different memory or inside joke from your relationship. This shows effort and makes the distance feel a little less significant on important days.

This photo is used to represent long distance relationships.

6. Have a Virtual Cooking Competition

For a fun and interactive way to connect, challenge each other to a cooking or baking competition over a video call. Set a theme or specific recipe to follow, and see who creates the best dish.

Example: Pick a recipe you both like, such as homemade pizza or cookies. As you cook, chat and joke about your progress. Once you’re done, you can “present” your creations to each other. It’s a lighthearted way to spend time together and share a common activity.

7. Write a Shared Journal

Keep a shared journal where you and your partner write entries about your daily lives, thoughts, and feelings. You can send the journal back and forth or keep a digital version that you both can access.

Example: Use an app like Google Docs to create a journal that you both can contribute to. Each day, write about your day, what you’re looking forward to, or even how much you miss them. The journal creates a tangible connection between you and allows you to stay up-to-date on each other’s lives.

8. Set Future Travel Plans

Planning for the future is one way to keep your relationship strong and give you both something to look forward to. Set dates and start planning trips to visit each other or go on vacations together.

Example: Plan a weekend getaway to a place you both want to study or organize a visit where you can spend quality time together. Even if the trip is months away, discussing travel details and looking forward to it can help make the waiting period feel more manageable.

9. Watch the Same TV Series Together

Pick a TV series to binge-watch together, and schedule regular video calls to discuss each episode. This gives you a shared experience that you can bond over, even from a distance.

Example: Choose a series you’re both excited about, like a new drama or a comedy show. After each episode, have a call to chat about your favorite moments, plot twists, or character arcs. This creates an ongoing conversation and a shared activity that helps you stay connected.

10. Send a Countdown Gift

Create a countdown calendar or gift that leads up to your next visit. Each day, your partner opens a new message or small gift until you see each other again.

Example: If you are seeing each other in a month, send a small package filled with 30 tiny gifts or notes, one for each day leading up to your reunion. These could be sweet messages, chocolates, or small keepsakes. The anticipation makes the countdown to seeing each other more exciting and meaningful.

11. Write Each Other “Open When” Letters

“Open when” letters are a series of notes your partner can open when they’re feeling a certain way or going through a specific experience. These letters are designed to provide comfort, encouragement, or a reminder of your love.

Example: Write letters like, “Open when you’re missing me,” or “Open when you’ve had a tough day.” Inside each letter, include heartfelt messages, funny jokes, or even small photos that will lift your partner’s spirits. These notes can help them feel connected to you when you’re not there to offer support in person.

Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but with the right mindset and creative efforts, they can also be incredibly fulfilling. By staying connected, sharing meaningful moments, and planning for the future, you can keep the love strong no matter the distance. Welcome the unique trip of a long-distance relationship, and recognize that love knows no bounds.

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FAQ

How do you keep a long-distance relationship strong?

Maintaining a strong long-distance relationship requires open communication, trust, and regular efforts to stay connected. Scheduling virtual dates, being honest about your feelings, and setting future plans are key ways to keep the bond strong.

Can a long-distance relationship really work?

Yes, long-distance relationships can work if both partners are committed to maintaining the connection. It requires more effort in terms of communication and trust, but with the right mindset, many couples find that their relationships become stronger through distance.

How often should you communicate in a long-distance relationship?

The frequency of communication depends on each couple’s needs, but it’s important to strike a balance between staying connected and allowing each partner space for their own activities. Daily check-ins, regular video calls, and meaningful conversations help maintain emotional closeness.