It all started, a couple years ago, with a cute ginger and a girl who didn't want to be tamed. With a little bit of time and patience, we were head over heels, falling for each other more every day, and officially boyfriend and girlfriend (as in facebook official ;) ). Thomas and I continued to date until we graduated college in December, where we were met with a dilemma. We lived 259 miles apart. That's four hours away!
It all started, a couple years ago, with a cute ginger and a girl who didn’t want to be tamed. With a little bit of time and patience, we were head over heels, falling for each other more every day, and officially boyfriend and girlfriend (as in facebook official 😉 ). Thomas and I continued to date until we graduated college in December, where we were met with a dilemma. We lived 259 miles apart. That’s four hours away!
Without even asking we knew we were going to make this relationship work, whatever it took. Little did we know that long distance relationships are hard. Seriously hard. It’s not all fun and cute little quotes about distance. [read more of “our story” + why we work]
I’ve learned over the past 8 months that there’s a lot that goes into a long distance relationship to make it work. I’ve come up with eight keys to long distance relationship. Keys to keep your relationship growing and the spark alive.
One | Prayer
This is by far the most important. I pray for our relationship. For patience and strength. That Thomas and I will seek the Lord’s guidance as we enter this stage of our lives. The list could go on and on. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Two | Date Nights
Thomas recently came up with the idea that we should have a date night once a week, and the smile that it brought to my face was enough to make me forget the distance-blues for the time begin.
It is important to keep the spark alive in your relationship even when you are not together. Date nights will help you feel more connected to your other half–even while being miles away. Date night gives you something to look forward to each week.
For Five Long Distance Date Night ideas, check out this post.
Three | Keep a Countdown
Have a countdown for the next time you’ll see each other. Whether it’s an app on your phone, or a cute idea you’ve found on Pinterest. Countdowns always help me look at the time until we see each other more positively, and I definitely get excited when those numbers get in the single digits! [i use bigdaylite]
Four | Communication
And I’m not talking about texting. REAL communication, where you can hear each others voices, and can’t avoid conversation with emojis. Communication is the key to any relationship but is especially important when you don’t get to see each other. This will help you reconnect and cause you to grow closer (even if you aren’t physically close by).
Five | Love Letters
Who doesn’t love getting something in the mail? It gives you a way to voice your feelings (that most people wouldn’t say outloud). A wonderful keepsake to reread when you are feeling blue, lonely, etc. Enough said.
Six | Patience
I know I mentioned praying for patience above. But patience is so so very key, that it deserves to be brought up all by itself. I struggle with patience, but I try to keep in mind that God’s plan has perfect timing. Being patient is the only way to survive the times between seeing each other. Can I get an “Amen” and a bucket of patience sent my way?
Seven | Trust and Commitment
Something that I’ve never had to question in our relationship is his commitment and loyalty to our relationship. If you are questioning what he’s doing that just ain’t gonna work miles away from each other. I know that he is in it, just as much as I am. When you’re are miles apart there is no room for doubt and distrust. It’s just that simple.
Eight | I love you.
Never let a day pass without letting your other half knowing how you feel. It’s hard loving someone so far away, but when you’re are reminded of their love it’s easier. It reminds you of why you’re holding on and working so hard to make the relationship work.
There you have it gals, the eight keys you need to make your long distance relationship work. Now if only I had a dollar for every time I used the word relationship.
You may also enjoy:
I would love to hear your long distance tips and advice, or what you would add to my keys.
Say hello over at my blog, Eat Drink & Be Mary. I love making new friends and always accept help for surviving long distance! Don’t forget to eat, drink and be “merry” y’all! xo
