Long-distance relationships can be challenging for any couple — especially when one partner is far-far away. Even if your relationship is long-distance, you might feel like it’s too hard on your partner. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make it work. You don’t need to give up everything to be together, and long-distance relationships can also be positive experiences. Here are five insider tips from relationship therapists that will help you navigate the challenges in your relationship and make it work!
1. Don’t hesitate to text or call your partner when it’s appropriate
One of the best things about long-distance relationships is that you can call or text your partner whenever you want to get something off your chest. Besides, Yolla offers calls to Cuba so don’t miss this opportunity. Whether it’s about your day, your week, or your month, you can always text or call your partner when it’s appropriate. You don’t have to be on the same page with your partner about when you need to be reachable. But you should be able to let them know if you need to be elsewhere and still be considerate of your partner’s needs.
2. Don’t be afraid to express your own needs and wants
One of the best ways to make long-distance relationships work is to be open and honest with your partner about your own wants and needs. You can let them know if you want to talk more or have time for yourself, and then let them know what you really want. If you don’t need to talk right now, let them know when you do and what you want from them in return. Many partners get afraid to ask for things because they don’t want to sound “needy” or “clingy”, but the more you express your needs and wants, the more open you will be to having those needs fulfilled.
3. Take care of yourself
If you’re in a long-distance relationship, your partner probably cannot always be concerned enough about taking care of you. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself. Go to therapy or see a counselor if you need to. Exercise, take care of your health, get enough sleep, and eat healthy foods. You don’t have to be the one doing all the work when you’re in a long-distance relationship; it’s your partner’s responsibility to take care of themselves, too.
4. Be empathetic and understanding
It’s hard to be empathetic and understanding when you’re the one being distant, but you have to practice them in long-distance relationships. At the end of the day, you’re both fighting an internal battle, and you need to be there for one another. Expressing your empathy and understanding won’t make your partner feel good, but it will make you feel good and help your relationship. When you have to be distant, try to put your energy into improving your own relationship instead of fixing the other person.
5. Surprise your partner with unexpected gifts
When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you don’t get to give and receive gifts as often as you would in a regular relationship. That’s okay and expected. One of the best ways to show your partner how much you love them is to surprise them with gifts that you know they would love. And don’t be shy about letting them know why you’re giving them the gift.