The internet is a remarkable invention – it has completely revolutionised the way we socialise. Although some people may complain that staring at our computer screens leaves us antisocial and ‘zombified’, I believe the opposite. There have never been so many avenues for meeting and communicating with people all over the world.
Online dating sites are even changing people’s romantic lives. Personality questionnaires and a database of potential suitors means that with one of these engines you can quickly and easily find true love. However, one possible consequence of meeting your soul mate on the eHarmony dating and relationship site is that they may live hundreds of miles away, and long-distance relationships are becoming a way of life for many couples. Living at a distance from your partner is one of the most difficult things to deal with. It can also be extremely expensive! So, here are a few tried and tested coping devices to keep you sane and in pocket while your other half lives miles away…
Plan ahead…
When it comes to travel plans, always think ahead. Trains and planes can be cheap – extremely cheap – but you have to book far in advance to get the decent fairs. There can be as much as a £200 difference in train prices from in-advance to on-the-day purchases. And that’s just within the UK! So, stay on top of things, pour over the calendar together and make sure you have everything mapped out and booked as soon as possible. This also means your visits are a part of your routine, making the whole process seem more natural.
Distract yourself with the preparations…
Another advantage of planning your visits far in advance is that you’ll always have a date to plan towards and look forward to. Preparing for your next meeting can be distracting in itself. Organise evenings out for the days your partner is visiting for. Buy them a welcome present. Think of a dream menu to cook for them on their first night. Pack, re-pack and pack again, just for the fun of it.
Keep busy…
Keep as distracted as possible – and not just with the preparations. It’s important your mind isn’t always on your other half and yearning to be with them. Exercise is a great one for this, as it puts your head in a completely different place. Hard work is another excellent distraction, so try to throw yourself into your job when you feel any distance-related pangs.
Explore all communication channels…
When you’re not planning or preparing or distracting yourself, talk to each other as much as possible. Skype is a great money saver here, as it costs absolutely nothing and is very easy to set up. Be experimental with your communication, too – try sending surprise letters and parcels, goodnight texts, and emails of silly animal photos while you’re at work.
Whether you met through free black dating sites or on holiday, long-distance relationships are always going to be tough. But don’t give up! With these coping devices you should be fine.
