Long distance dating can be difficult as it is. Add a pandemic to it and it becomes the ultimate relationship test. COVID restrictions have forced long distance partners to stay apart for months, so to help we asked the RGU Instagram community for tips on how to get through these trying times. Here’s what they said:
1. Communication
Our Instagram community placed communication as the top tip to successfully maintaining a long distance relationship through this pandemic.
The stress and uncertainty of the pandemic can lead you and your partner to become distant. It is highly important to keep communicating your feelings to each other through this time. You might have to have difficult conversations virtually and the idea of this can be very off-putting. But if you don’t it could lead to the bottling up of emotions which can be very unhealthy for your relationship.
Try to find communication habits that work for the two of you. Ask each other some of these important questions:
- How are you feeling?
- How are you coping in this situation?
- Is there anything you want to tell me?
- How can I help you feel better?
2. Accept the uncertainty and set mini goals
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for long distance couples to make travel plans to visit each other. With restrictions changing every week, there is a lot of ambiguity around. This can be all the more upsetting for long distance relationship (ldr) partners. One way to make this better is accept the indefiniteness.
While you can’t make travel plans together, set mini virtual goals to achieve during this time.
Tvesha, RGU Student
Here’s a short list of mini goals:
- Virtually workout together in an effort to become healthier.
- Send book recommendations to each other and aim to read at least one book a month.
- Maintained a shared journal.
3. Make time for each other
Set a specific time to spend with each other regularly. This is especially important if the two of you live in different time zones. Establish a routine. If you have to cancel, let your partner know. Samanta, one of our Instagram followers said:
Make spending quality time a priority. If you have to cancel, send them a text or make a quick call. Even the smallest act of telling your partner something like ‘I’ll be busy today so I won’t text as much’ makes all the difference.
Samanta, a follower of the RGU Instagram Community
4. Do online activities together
Since the pandemic, there are several new activities that you and your partner can do virtually. Celine said that having movie dates on Netflix Party is great way spend time with each other. Getting tickets to online concerts or virtual stand-up comedy shows are some other fun ideas. Tvesha, a RGU Student said:
I was in a LDR for 2 years before moving in with my boyfriend just a few months ago after beginning my studies at RGU. Since we are both gamers, we used Discord to speak to each other while gaming.
Tvesha, RGU Student
5. Send surprises
Let your partner know that you are thinking about them by sending them a little surprise. Letterbox flowers, books, customised quarantine packages, couple bracelets and lockets are some fun gift ideas. You can also indulge in some good old-fashioned romance by sending each other post cards or letters. Another romantic idea would be to order your partner’s favourite meal to their address and have a surprise virtual date.
Remember, just because we’re in a pandemic, doesn’t mean you can’t experience happy moments with your partner. This will only be one chapter in what is hopefully a long and healthy relationship. Going through this tough time together can only make you stronger and with time will bring you closer together. 🙂
Swetha Akshita
Robert Gordon University’s counselling and wellbeing service continues to operate for anyone requiring support of a dedicated counsellor. You can access support services and advice on www.rgu.ac.uk/counselling-wellbeing.
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