Tuesday, March 30, 2010

10 tips on “How to survive a long distance relationship”

Being in a long distance relationship is as good as being single without availing the advantages of being single. So what does one do, when you are in one?




1. Communicate- In a long distance relationship, it is important you communicate with your boyfriend/girlfriend as often as possible. Keep them updated about your activities, make them feel a part of it. But also remember do not over-communicate. With the perks of web 2.0, social networking, instant messaging can be done at the click of a tab, but remember having someone popping up every now and then may not be always surprising.


2. Make plans together- It is given that you as a couple do not meet often. So make plans for the time you would be together like watch films, play scrabble, cook a meal. There can be a million things that you could do together. This would keep you going till the time you guys are actually with each other. Whether the plans work or no is a different thing, but the wait is made more fun.


3. Spell it out- In a long distance relationship it is not possible for your girlfriend or boyfriend to predict your mood swings, highs and lows. Sometimes coincidences happen, but not always. Express yourself, tell your boyfriend/girlfriend about things that may be bothering you, emote, talk, and seek advice.


4. Give surprises- It is always nice to receive a bunch of flowers or a CD of your favourite artist as a gift. Do small little things to make each other feel special. Even if it is just writing a letter or sending a postcard.


5. Be consistent- The initial few months of a relationship are the best and are sure meant to be treasured. But why not make every moment special? It is obvious that on certain days you would be busy, you might not give each other enough time, but try and compensate for it.


6. Appreciate- If your partner is going out of his/her way to make an effort, appreciate it and most importantly reciprocate. There is nothing worse than no acknowledgement. All of us need a little motivation, it could be this.


7. Listen and not just hear- It is important that when your boyfriend/girlfriend is expressing something, you listen with utmost concentration. You wouldn’t want your girlfriend to go, “Are you even listening to me?”, while your mind is on the Pizza Hut menu card or a football match. Understand what your boyfriend/girlfriend is trying to convey. Do not make stupid remarks, it could be very irritating.


8. Sex talk- This is the most important. It is important you keep the anticipation heightened for the time you are together. Talk about things you want to do, discuss your fantasies (about each other), appreciate each other’s qualities in bed.


9. Enjoy when together- Forget all worries, live in the moment, go with the flow. When you are together, enjoy each other’s company, make the most of the time you have. Those two days away from the routine and being together will never come back. Make it special, worth remembering, till the time you see each other again.


10. Accept the situation- You cannot dismiss the fact that you are in a long distance relationship. Do not regret, do not let your partner feel it is their fault. Stay away from going on a guilt trip, start accepting the situation. The sooner, the better. It sucks, we all know that. But stop cribbing and start acting on the 9 tips above.


PS: PMSing sometimes makes me think better, now that’s something like a self discovery.


(A stupid thought at 4 am in the morning led to this post.)

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