Being in a long-distance romantic relationship can be really tough, even at the best of times. There are hundreds of miles—you may even be in different time zones—between you and your babe! While not ideal, lots of people make this long-distance work and work well. How do they do it? By communicating and using the best tools that enable it.
Here is where technology has come to the rescue for long-distance lovebirds—there used to be one way to communicate, and that was by a landline phone. That was it. No texts, no email, nada. Thankfully, technology has come a long way and made it easier than ever to keep the love alive and well from afar. We’re pretty sure you already know about all of the tech available, but just in case, let’s recount some of the best communication tools that will help keep your long-distance relationship happy and strong!
Video Calling: There They Are!
We know it’s not as good as being in the same room or area code as your SO, but the second best and closest thing to a real-life interaction that technology can offer is video calling.
You have a lot of platforms to choose from, too! There is Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime—all allow you to see each other’s faces in real-time, making those convos so much better than just a standard voice call. It doesn’t matter if it’s a quick 10-minute check-in while you’re on your lunch break or a long evening chat; seeing your boo’s face and expressions can make all the difference when you’re missing them.
Messaging Apps: Constant Contact
Next up is the old, reliable text messaging. You and your romantic partner can be in constant contact throughout the day and night via your smartphones. But let’s say you are in different countries, and text messaging fees or rates kick in, or one of you has an iPhone and another uses an Android, so there’s a workaround. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal also let you send text messages in real time but also share photos, videos, and even voice messages—all for free. They work on any smartphone and across various operating systems, so they’re great for couples who are really far apart or use different kinds of devices.
Email: Old School But Still Good
Sometimes, writing a longer-form message can reveal feelings and thoughts that are harder to express in a quick text. Email might seem a bit old school and the odd duck in communication tools, but it’s great for sending love letters, sharing detailed updates about your day, or sending a collection of thoughts that struck you throughout the week. It sounds corny, but it can be incredibly romantic.
Social Media: Share Your Social Worlds
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat can offer up even more connectivity for long-distance couples. Sharing posts and tagging each other not only keeps you in-the-know about what’s going on in your romantic partner’s life but also lets you interact with their posts, which can make you feel like you’re a part of their day-to-day activities.
Collaborative Apps: Stay Organized Together
For those long-distance couples who are planners and organizers, apps like Google Keep or Trello can help manage everything from future visits to daily tasks. You can set reminders for important dates, plan your next visit, or organize a virtual date night. It’s a fun and easy way to stay connected and involved in each other’s lives.
Gaming: Play Together
For couples who are about that gaming life, playing online is a wonderful way to spend time together, even when you’re apart. Whether it’s through a console like Xbox or PlayStation or online gaming platforms like Steam, playing a game together is a super fun and competitive way to connect.
Virtual Reality: The Future of LDRs
Virtual reality (VR) technology is on the rise, and it is undoubtedly an exciting way to interact in a much more immersive environment. Apps like VRChat or platforms like Oculus enable you to enter virtual spaces where you can meet up, watch movies together, or even just hang out and revel in each other’s virtual company for a while.
Countdown Apps: Count the Days Together
These are super cute ways to count the days until you can see each other! There are dedicated apps like Big Days or Time and both iPhones and Androids have their own widgets that are great for setting up a countdown to your next visit. They can keep the excitement and anticipation building and make the reunification even sweeter.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t any denying that long-distance relationships come with challenges, but the right communication tools can make it less agonizing to be so far apart. By making use of these communication tools, you can bridge the gap a little bit between you and your SO, keeping your relationship going strong until you’re reunited. A successful long-distance relationship takes work and commitment, and that means consistent and good communication, so find what works for you both and stick with it. Your relationship is worth the effort, so hang in there until you can be together again.
