15 Ways to Grow Closer Over a Long Distance Relationship

Although long distance relationships can be difficult, they can also be an opportunity to grow closer as a couple on a deeper level.

Unlike in the past, we now have much more advanced technology at our disposal, making staying in touch easier than ever. We can see each other's faces and hear each other’s voices in real-time, but it still doesn’t come close to being together in person. Whether for family, friends, or a romanitc relationship, it's so important to continue to put effort into your relationship, no matter the distance.

The most important things to keep in mind are honesty, consistency, and frequent communication. It’s crucial to be open and honest with each other, to let each other know your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Consistency is key. It’s easy to overthink things when you’re apart, so give each other peace of mind by responding to texts as soon as possible, and by making and keeping plans. Finally, communicate often; stay in correspondence every day!

Here are 15 ways to improve your long-distance relationship.

1. Text Good Morning and Good Night

This is such a simple yet meaningful way to show your loved one you care when you aren’t there to say it in person. Texting good morning and good night shows that he or she is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, and the last thing on your mind before you fall asleep.

2. Talk on the Phone or FaceTime Every Night

Every couple is different, but its honestly beneficial to talk every day. Make time at the end of each day to hear each other’s voices, catch up about your lives, and say how much you mean to each other. Depending on your schedules, it doesn’t matter whether you talk for 2 hours or 2 minutes, but it's so important just to communicate. 

3. Check In on Each Other

Make an effort to communicate throughout the day. Ask your partner how their day is going, tell them what’s going on in your life, send pictures, and share parts of your day with each other. If you have a question or decision, ask their opinion just for fun. Send a spontaneous and funny text now and then. What matters is that you’re on each other’s minds and including each other in your life.

4. Send Written Letters, Too

Corresponding with physical letters through the mail is such a classically romantic way to stay in touch over distance. Sending a handwritten letter with a thoughtful message is the perfect way to make anyone’s day. There’s just something about ink on paper in your own handwriting that’s more personal than digital text.

5. Go for a Walk on the Phone

Since you can’t go for a walk together hand in hand, schedule a phone call and both go on a walk at the same time while you talk on the phone. This is a great way to get outdoors and catch up with each other at the same time. Additionally, a change of scenes can help inspire creativity and conversation.

6. Have a Book or Movie Club

Have a book or movie club with your significant other while you’re apart. Choose a book, movie, or show that you’re both interested in. Then, in your own time, read a few chapters, or watch an episode, and reconvene afterward over FaceTime to discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it. Alternatively, if it's a movie, you could watch it together over Zoom and react in real-time.

7. Makes Plans for When You Meet Up

Having an end in sight is psychologically important. Knowing the date that you can count down to gives you both something to look forward to and set your sights on. Even if you don’t know when you’ll next be able to see each other again, make plans together and discuss all the things you want to do when you do finally meet up. 

8. Browse the Internet for Dream Homes or Vacation Spots

This is a fun activity to do over FaceTime. Browse the internet for locations that you both like, and where you could see yourself either living or visiting. Online window shop for houses on real estate websites, explore google maps, or look at lists of top places to live and best vacation spots. Imagining being together in a new location is a good escape from being apart.

9. Send a Care Package

Send a care package to your loved one. Fill a box with their favorite items and some surprises, too. Send something to remind them of you, a favorite snack of theirs, a book you think they’ll enjoy, and a self-care item so they don’t have to buy it for themselves, and something they’ve always wanted but would never buy for themselves. Alternatively, to create a more long-lasting experience, send the gifts one at a time throughout the time your apart

10. Learn Something New About the World Together 

Learn something new together by choosing a topic and looking it up on the internet together while you FaceTime. Think of an interesting and unusual topic, like psychology, natural disasters, time periods, fatal mistakes in history, or influential leaders. Research, discuss, and see where the conversation leads you. Who knows where you’ll end up.

11. Take an online quiz

Take an online quiz together, over FaceTime. Go through question by question and then compare your results. You can do a funny quiz like what character you are from a certain book or movie, or a serious one, like figuring out your love language or personality type. 

12. Continue To Learn about Each Other 

Since you can’t be together physically, focus on the emotional and intellectual aspects of your relationship. A long-distance relationship is an opportunity to focus on each other’s personalities and continue to get to know each other on a deeper level. Ask each other thought-provoking questions to see the world through the other’s eyes and better understand each other’s unique thought processes. 

 13. Play truth or truth or “would you rather”

While asking thought-provoking questions is an incredible way to get to know your partner in a deeper way, you can always fall back on one of those classic high school games for a fun and hilarious experience that will still lead you to feel closer but in a more lighthearted way. Look up some lists online or think up your own. Start with “Would you rather spend six months in a US nuclear sub or on the International Space Station?”…

14. Put Your Best Self Forward 

Long distance, it’s impossible to see the full picture of who someone is, so make sure what you’re presenting is how you want to be viewed. Be cheerful, funny, and enthusiastic, and don’t become lazy or complacent. Highlight the strengths of your personality and put effort into creating quality correspondence.

15. Take Care of Yourself

Finally, use the time to work on yourself. Work on having healthy living habits and a positive outlook that you can translate into your future. Ultimately, become the person you want to be. Taking care of yourself is the foundation of having a healthy relationship.

To Conclude

Although it’s not ideal to be apart, the good thing is that you can still make progress in your relationship, even over distance. You can get to know each other in new dimensions, learn together, and ultimately show each other how much the relationship matters to you.

In the end, the key to having a successful long-distance relationship is perspective. View a long distance relationship as an opportunity, and not an obstacle. Change your mindset to view your time apart as an occasion to get to know each other, to strengthen your connection, and to prove your commitment to each other.