Life constantly changes, and there will be eras where loved ones transition further away than you’d choose. Whether it’s a child leaving for college, a partner relocating for work or a bestie moving to a new city, long-distance relationships can be tough. But, with creativity and intention, you can keep those connections strong, no matter the miles between you. Let’s dive into the most common relationships and how to manage them with some fun and practical ways to stay close.  

Romantic Relationships: Keeping the Spark Alive

Long-distance romance can feel challenging, especially if you’re used to being close. During this time, it’s vital to strengthen your bond in new ways.

Schedule Quality Time: Set regular dates, and virtual dates count, too! Watching the same movie while video chatting, cooking “together” from different kitchens or setting up a virtual coffee date during lunch can make you feel more connected. And, when the time allows, plan visits to spend time together in person. 

Surprise Each Other: Some people don’t enjoy surprises, so popping up unannounced might not be the best idea, but everyone wants to feel thought about. You can send a handwritten letter, a gift card to their favorite place, a care package or even a heartfelt video message to remind your partner how much you care.

Set Goals Together: Don’t let important things you did together in person stop when you’re apart. It’s common for couples to plan for their future, and this should still be a priority. Usually, long-distance relationships have an expiration date, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to in order to keep the relationship exciting and hopeful.

Family Relationships: Staying Close Across the Miles

Whether you’re an empty nester with a kid in college or a parent with children living in different states, maintaining close family ties is important, even when life takes everyone in different directions.

Embrace Technology: Video calls have been lifesavers for the modern times we live in. Schedule weekly or bi-weekly video chats to catch up on life, or use the morning times to get ready for the day together. It’s also a great idea to create group chats to send quick messages and funny thoughts. 

Send a Little Love: Care packages and postcards are not just for romantic relationships. Send family members little reminders of home, whether it’s pictures, homemade goods or even something they forgot at home you think they would appreciate having with them. 

Celebrate Milestones: Even if you can’t be together for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays, you can still make it special. Mail them a “party in a box” to help them celebrate wherever they are and spend time with each other virtually.

Friendships: Keeping Your Circle Strong

We all know life gets busy, and sometimes friends move away or enter new phases of life, like starting families or advancing careers. But, that doesn’t mean your friendship has to fade.

Stay Intentional: With busy schedules, it’s easy to lose touch. Make time to check in, even if it’s just sending a quick text to see how they’re doing. A little effort goes a long way. And since you’re busy too, there’s nothing wrong with scheduling reminders so you don’t forget. 

Create Virtual Hangouts: Again, virtual dates aren’t just for romantic relationships! If there is a show you enjoyed watching together in person, get on FaceTime and do the same thing. You can start a book club and talk virtually about each chapter. With friends, the creativity to talk doesn’t end.  

Stay Adaptable: Life changes can affect how often you see your friends, whether they are far away or not. If your friend is navigating a big life change, like becoming a parent, understand that his or her availability might shift. Instead of feeling distant, support them by checking in when they have time and offering flexibility in your plans.

Connection and communication is the key to maintaining the important relationships in your life. With a little effort, technology and creativity, you can stay connected and keep your bonds strong, and when you come back together, it’ll be like they never left!