It's hard to maintain a long distance relationship, especially if Covid-19's the reason for the distance. Here's what you can do to maintain a strong relationship this year.
All relationships can be complicated, and to quote Forrest Gump;
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get."
Whether romantic or not, they can be difficult to maintain, especially if you cannot see each other for an extended period of time.
In this Covid era, where some couples have been forced to go long distance for more than a year, some relationships will have crumbled under the strain, but we want yours to flourish. These tips will help you maintain your #couplegoals status, or even just your relationship goals with your besties during the pandemic.
1. Accept that you won’t be able to see each other for a while
“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day.” - The Notebook
This is the first step because it is the hardest. Whether you met at uni and saw each other all the time or were together mostly during the holidays, whatever your situation, accepting the time apart can be difficult. Nobody gets into a relationship to be apart, yet sometimes it is unavoidable.
Take this time apart as a way to step back and look at your relationship. Write a list of all the things you love about them and your memories together, then share them with your boo.
Remember:
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." - Charles M. Schulz
2. Establish a routine
Although you are apart, it’s good to find a way to fit the other person into your daily routine, like you would if you were able to see them. You don’t need to directly replicate how much you would see them normally, however, it is very important to set aside time for regular phone calls and video chats.
Have a conversation as a couple about how much you would like to speak to each other, and try to stick to it. As well as talking on the phone, messaging throughout the day helps to let the other person feel like they are still a part of your everyday life. Even if you’re in a bad mood, feeling sad or stressed, talking to them will make you feel better.
"The best thing you can do is find someone who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you." - Juno
But also think about yourself. If you just don’t have the mental capacity to chat to your partner for an hour today, that’s fine. Your partner will understand that.
3. Find a TV series to watch together
While video chats are good quality time spent together, this could get quite repetitive. A good idea to help maintain a healthy long-distance relationship is to suggest an activity to do as a couple. This could be to watch a TV show together on Netflix Party, read the same book, give each other music recommendations, cook together on video chat … the options are endless.
Doing an activity can help bring you closer together as a couple, as you explore each other’s interests. Bonus: you might even learn something new as you go outside your comfort zone!
4. Communication is everything
“I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare...But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” - 10 Things I Hate About You
Communication is the best way to maintain a healthy relationship. To reach true #couplegoal status, you need to be doing more than just talking every day. It means having difficult conversations and being open to listening to how your partner feels.
It’s important to talk about mental health in a relationship so you can give each other the support needed. Open communication means you can work on your relationship, only improving it for the better and understanding each other’s needs.
Remember what Forrest Gump said; you never know what life will throw at you, but you need to make the most of it. One day, the pandemic will be over and we will be able to return to the normality of dates, hugging and hand-holding. But, for now, you’ve got to make it work as best you can.
For other inspirational quotes, check out our articles here.
