How to Maintain a Long-Distance Relationship

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Keep Long-Distance Love Alive Despite the Time Difference

Woman in a video call with her long-distance partner

According to a survey, 83% of American singles have dated someone from another state. 71% have been in a relationship with someone from another country.

Imagine yourself in their shoes (if you aren’t). As if the distance isn’t bad enough, you also have to deal with time zone differences. Your days don’t match. When you’re up, your partner may be on the way to bed.

How can you deal with this challenge?

Learn how to maintain a long-distance relationship despite the time difference with this comprehensive guide.

How Do Time Zone Differences Make LDR Difficult?

Running on different clocks makes the circumstances more difficult than they already are. Here’s how time zones pose a problem:

They test a couple’s patience.

Say you just started your day. Meanwhile, your partner is winding down. You’re energized and ready to yap away, while they’re starting to count sheep. Your clashing availability and energy levels are bound to cause frustration.

They lead to schedule clashes.

No thanks to different time zones, finding an overlap in your schedules is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Planning calls, chats, dates, and more is tricky. And when missed opportunities keep happening, conflict arises.

They contribute to stress.

Keeping up with time zones means constantly making adjustments for each other. This isn’t limited to your routines, but also your energy levels. This puts your physical and mental health at risk, which can have devastating consequences.

They create emotional distance.

You may constantly talk to each other, but that can’t replace real-time interactions. This can lead you to miss out on spontaneous moments, which keep intimacy and overall connection up and running.

How to Keep Your Long-Distance Love Alive When You’re Hours Apart

Syncing your lives when you’re in different time zones requires patience, creativity, and communication.

That said, here are some tips on how to maintain a long-distance relationship, regardless of whether you’re 8 or 12 hours apart.

#1: Establish a routine.

Since you live in different time zones, your relationship should at least have some semblance of order. This is where establishing a routine comes in.

Start by setting regular call times. Then, make it a habit to show up. This behavior fosters stability, ensuring a constant positive fixture in an otherwise uncertain time.

Take turns accommodating each other’s schedules. This compromise lets your partner know that they don’t always have to be the one making sacrifices.

#2: Make the most of technology.

Technology has done a lot to help couples bridge the distance. Thanks to apps like Messenger and Zoom, you don’t need to jump through hoops to talk to your partner.

But the question is, are you maximizing its potential?

Don’t just use messaging and video calling platforms. Use shared calendars (like Google Calendar) and scheduling apps to plan dates and avoid conflicts.

You can also learn how to spice up a long-distance relationship using technology.

Online multiplayer games like Among Us and Overcooked are great for some friendly competition. If you’re not much of a gamer, you can always have your own little long-distance concert/karaoke session. Let your imagination run wild!

#3: Strengthen trust and communication.

These two are important in relationships, especially long-distance ones.

If you have something to say, say it. Share what’s on your mind, whether it’s good or bad. The time difference may not allow your partner to act immediately, but they’ll appreciate your honesty and trust regardless.

Don’t forget to ask them how they are as well. Ask if they’re okay with the means and pace of your communication.

In line with the previous tip, make the most of technology to manage your communication. Put your time zones on your phone so you’ll always know what time it is on your long-distance partner’s side of the world.

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Knowing how to maintain a long-distance relationship is one thing. Applying those takeaways is another. Put your insights from this entry to good use. Don’t let time zone differences hold you back from showing your love.


Reference:

Global Dating Insights. 2024. “Study Reveals Growing Percentage of Singles Are Open to Long-Distance Relationships.” Global Dating Insights. https://www.globaldatinginsights.com/featured/study-reveals-growing-percentage-of-singles-are-open-to-long-distance-relationships-2/.


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