Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook: technology has brought people closer together and created new ways of connecting, especially during a challenging period like the Covid-19 pandemic. But when it comes to romance, physical distance can often be a spanner in the works. However, this is not always the case, and if work or family commitments mean having to spend some time in a different city – or even a different country – distance doesn’t have to put the brakes on your relationship.

Here are some tips for a successful long-distance relationship.

1. Always be optimistic

Of course, this is easier said than done! But it’s always better to tackle these kinds of situations with a positive frame of mind, remembering that it’s only a temporary arrangement.

There are bound to be times when you feel sad or down, but these should be in the minority compared to your desire to keep the relationship alive and compared to your feelings for your partner.

2. Share everything

Life goes on for both of you, and you will both experience good times and bad times. As a couple, we can make problems feel less overwhelming and celebrate the good moments together,

and this is especially important in a long-distance relationship. You need to continue to share everything with your partner, and thanks to digital technology there’s no shortage of ways to do it. A phone call, voice note on WhatsApp or – even better – a video-call on Skype and the miles will soon be reduced to millimetres. Take advantage of any opportunity to feel closer together.

3. Don’t be afraid to discuss any issues

All relationships go through bad patches, and long-distance ones are no different. But in this case, where you can’t see each other in person and it’s easy to miss any non-verbal messages your partner might give through their body language, it’s important to talk openly about any doubts or concerns.

These kinds of discussions don’t have to be scary; in fact, they should help you get through difficult periods and continue your relationship! But never try to explain yourself by text as this can often result in misunderstandings. Instead, opt for a traditional phone call or set some time aside for a video-call.

4. Meet up when you can

It might seem obvious, but the more often you can see each other, the better it is for your relationship. Keep an eye on flights and trains, and as soon as there’s an opportunity to see each other, book your ticket.

If you’re closer together, arrange to meet up once a month, deciding in advance who is travelling to whom and when. With good planning, you might even be able to see each other every couple of weeks.

5. The advantages of a long-distance relationship

Distance doesn’t have to be a bad thing: as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and one of the advantages of a long-distance relationship is that you don’t take time togetherfor granted.

It also avoids the kind of “symbiotic” relationship that many couples tend to fall into after several months together.