As more and more couples are forced to live apart, ELLE Canada rounds up expert relationship advice — and inspiring tales of triumph — about how to make your long-distance relationship work.
The reality, however, is that more couples than ever are in some sort of long-distance arrangement. Since 2011, Lacny has noticed an increase in the number of long-distance relationships, which she attributes to the economic crisis and the ensuing ultra competitive job market. “Today, a lot of people have to move for work and will do long-distance for a job,” she says. Other common reasons for long-distance relationships? Connecting with someone online who lives in a different city, or meeting someone while traveling.
So what can modern lovebirds do to go the distance for love when living miles apart? We’ve rounded up 10 expert tips and key relationship advice for how to make long-distance relationship (LDR) work.
Long-distance relationship advice #1
DO: Communicate.
Talking to the love of your life might seem like a no-brainer, but according to Lacny making time to connect in a meaningful way with your partner should be a conscious priority. “One of the biggest mistakes LDR couples make is not developing some sort of routine for consistent contact,” she explains. “When my partner and I lived apart for work, we found it hard to make time at a moment’s notice for the other person, because our schedules were so busy. So we scheduled time instead and sent texts throughout the day. It helped keep us connected and available for each other.”
The trick is determining how much communication works for you and what medium best suits you. Are you the texting type, a chatterbox who adores the phone, or are emails enough? Everyone is different, so find a manner of connecting that works for you and your partner. Holly, 24, and Gary Luker, 28, of Cape Breton Island have maintained a long-distance marriage and co-parenting for a whopping four years (they only see each other in person for six months a year). They find that texting works best due to a significant time difference and opposite hectic schedules. As Holly says, “Just knowing you are equally missed by the person you are missing helps.”
More expert tips and relationship advice on how to make your long-distance relationship stand the test of time, on the next page...
