Overcoming Loneliness in a Long-Distance Relationship: Ways to Cope
Long-distance relationships are a test of will, patience, emotional resilience, and, above all, love. No one wants to be away from their partners under ideal circumstances, but in case you have to bear the brunt of distance, how do you navigate around it?
While modern technology bridges the distance in many aspects, the longing for physical presence and intimacy can often leave you with an aftertaste of loneliness, emotional vulnerability and lack of fulfilment. The trick to maintaining and building on a long-distance relationship is to be flexible, keep an open mind, and work actively to strengthen the bond with your partner through various measures.
In the following article, we’ll explore a range of strategies for overcoming loneliness and fostering intimacy while miles apart.
Ways to Cope
Decide on a Consistent Routine
Abiding by a consistent routine while dealing with long-distance relationship loneliness can provide structure and stability to your relationship. Set aside specific times for video calls, chats, and other forms of communication.
Spend Time with Each Other Online
Technology is on your side, so use it to spend quality time together. Whether it’s an OTT movie party, online games, or simply video chatting while you go about your day, it can strengthen your bond and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Have a Social Life Outside of the Relationship
One of the foremost tips for long-distance relationships is that a healthy social life is a requisite beyond your relationship. Your well-being depends on nurturing friendships, pursuing hobbies, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment.
Find Self-Care Activities You Can Pursue — Together and Alone
Prioritise self-care to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. Indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. When the lonely blues come clouding, try your hand at things you can do while on the telephone or video. Activities like cooking a meal, watching a movie, enjoying the same playlist and admiring the sunset can be one of many ways to spend time together.
Plan Virtual Dates
Rejig the romance by planning virtual dates with your partner. Set aside time for special activities like cooking together, playing online games, or having a virtual dance party. Keeping it naughty with some lube and playthings can also be a viable option.
Don’t Bottle Up Your Feelings — Journal
An interesting way to cope with loneliness in a relationship is to spill your heart out in the pages of a journal or diary. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to process your thoughts and emotions. Exchanging journal entries with your partner can also help foster open communication and deepen your understanding of each other’s experiences.
Listen to Good Music
Music is a definite mood-lifter, and creating music playlists that resonate with your various moods can come in handy during a downer. Sharing music recommendations with your partner can be a meaningful way to connect and vibe.
Be a Better Active Listener
Be present and attentive during conversations with your partner. With time, basic attention to your partner’s words, emotions, and body language can give you a clear understanding of what’s going on with your partner. Demonstrating genuine interest and support can strengthen the feeling of togetherness, even from a distance.
Write Old-Fashioned Love Letters
Love letters are a sound medium for emphasising your love for your partner. Play around with words, impactful phrases, and references to draw word pictures. Don’t shy away from admitting your love, longing, and appreciation for them. Receiving a heartfelt letter in the mail can evoke feelings of warmth, intimacy, and thoughtfulness.
Always Have Your Next In-Person Date Planned
Plan so that the next date is something that you can always look forward to. Keep the anticipation at bay with routine outings planned – like a weekend getaway or a romantic dinner reservation.
Visit One Another
While spending time apart is non-negotiable, make it better by always grabbing the chance to visit each other. It is easy to give in to the grind and delay get-togethers or outings, but zeal and intent are important factors that help foster trust in your partner. Strive to create memories whenever possible and aim for unadulterated moments of closeness and intimacy. Remember, there is no replacement for physical proximity, so whether it’s a short weekend visit or a longer vacation, prioritise spending quality time together in person.
Talk About Each Other’s Feelings
Have kind conversations and open communication about your struggles, fears, and insecurities. Build a safe space with your partner where both of you can share your joys and sorrows. Honest vulnerability breeds relationship strength.
Be Prepared for Emergency Visits
Always be prepared to be by your loved one’s side during moments of emergency like a sudden illness, family issues, breakdowns, work troubles and more. Prioritise being there for each other when it matters most. Knowing that you have each other’s backs can be comforting and reassuring during difficult times.
Surprise One Another
Keep the spark alive by surprising each other with thoughtful gestures and gifts. Whether it’s a timely care package, planning a surprise virtual date, or leaving love notes in unexpected places, small acts of kindness can show your partner that you’re thinking of them and strengthen your connection.
Try Sexting and Even Pick Up a Durex Card Game
Don’t shy away from your sensualities. Explore your kinks and desires and spice up your long-distance relationship with sexting. Flirtatious messages, photos, videos and hot and heavy conversations can ignite passion and intimacy from afar. Additionally, consider trying Durex’s various card game to add keep the spark alive while navigating spontaneity in your virtual interactions. Options range from the Durex Turn On card game to the Durex O! Snap card game and more.
Get Romantic Over Video Calls
Make the most of video calls by giving in to mundane and spicy things to keep it as accurate as possible. Set the mood with candlelight, dress up for each other, and engage in intimate conversations. The sight of passion is a sight to behold and reciprocate!
Prioritise Each Other
Make your partner feel loved and valued by prioritising and making time for them. A list of to-dos would include expressing appreciation and supporting your partner’s goals and aspirations. Having your priorities in place to shape a future together is a major turn-on!
Self-Reflect
Take the time to introspect and evaluate your relationship needs, desires, and boundaries. Have a conversation with yourself regarding your future plans with the partner concerned. Then, consider what brings you joy and fulfilment, and communicate your findings to your partner. Engaging in regular self-reflection can promote personal growth and deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationship.
Cherish Your Moments
Cherish the moments you share with your partner, whether in person or from a distance, because each will be unique from the other. Variety is the spice of life! Celebrate the nuances of your love, overcome challenges together, and savour the journey of building a strong and resilient relationship.
Tips for Effective Communication
Effective communication is not tall words but about getting through to each other. Different approaches work for different people so it is important to know your partner’s language of comfort and ease. Be honest in your communication to the extent possible because it sets a premise for trust and loyalty. Empathy and understanding go a long way to resolve conflicts.
Dealing with Post-Visit Depression
Connect Farewells with Something Positive
Sweet farewells need to replace bitter ones because it’s goodbye with the hope of meeting and cherishing each other again. Make plans for your next visit, reminisce about the memories of shared experiences, and express gratitude for the time you spent together.
Be Constantly in Touch with Each Other
Maintain connect in between visits by maintaining regular contact over call, video or chat. Share everything from silly updates to substantial ones regularly but don’t overdo it. Express your thoughts and feelings and make an effort to stay involved in each other’s lives. Knowing that you’re there for each other, even from a distance, can provide comfort and reassurance.
Plan Your Next Visit Already
The next visit should be the looking-forward-to factor of your lives till the time you meet again. It keeps the anticipation and involvement high. It’s best to make these plans in person to keep the momentum alive. This will also provide you with time to craft the itinerary as per your partner’s flavour of the season.
Acknowledge That You Might Feel More Sad Than Usual
It is important to recognise that post-visit depression is normal and common when it comes to long-distance relationships. Allow yourself to feel sad and mourn the temporary separation from your partner. Acknowledging your emotions can help you process them effectively and move forward with resilience.
Overcoming loneliness in a long-distance relationship is a mental test of resolve, open communication and depth of intent. You have to be true to yourself first before you can move forward with alleviating the post-visit depression after your partner’s visit. And a little playfulness never hurt anyone. With Durex, explore the world of games and playthings to spice up your relationship.
