Long-distance love: How to keep the spark alive

Long-distance relationships have a bit of a reputation. Some people think they’re doomed from the start, while others see them as the ultimate test of true love. Whether you’re separated by a few hundred miles or an entire ocean, keeping the spark alive can feel like trying to light a campfire with wet matches.

But with a little creativity, some humour and a dash of determination, you can keep the flame burning bright - and maybe even have some fun along the way.

Master the art of texting

Texting is the lifeblood of any long-distance relationship. It’s like the modern equivalent of love letters, only faster, and with more emojis. To keep things interesting, mix it up. Send sweet good morning texts, random memes and maybe even a few ridiculous selfies.

The key is to keep it light and fun. No one wants to read a novel-length text about how much you miss each other every day.

Pro tip: Don’t overthink your text. If you’re sending “I miss you” 20 times a day, it might be time to chill out. Instead, send something unexpected like “If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber”. Corny? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

Become a virtual date pro

Just because you’re miles apart doesn’t mean you can’t have a date night. Thanks to modern technology, you can binge-watch your favourite shows together, have virtual dinners or even play online games.

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The trick is to plan dates just as you would if you were in the same city. Set a time, dress up (or at least wear trousers) and enjoy each other’s company.

And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to flirt over video chat. It’s encouraged. Get creative with your virtual dates - have a cooking competition, take an online tour of a museum or go for a walk together (phone in hand, of course) as you each stroll through your respective neighbourhoods. Who knew long distance could be so adventurous?

Surprise them with snail mail (it’s still a thing)

In the age of instant communication, there’s something undeniably romantic about receiving a handwritten letter or surprise package.

Take the time to send your partner something special - a letter, a care package filled with their favourite snacks, or even a silly drawing that only the two of you would understand. It’s a tangible reminder of your love that they can hold onto (and brag about to their friends).

Bonus points if you include something that smells like you (in a good way, of course). That hoodie they love? Spray it with your perfume or cologne before you send it. It’s like hugging them from afar.

Set goals and countdown together

When you’re in a long-distance relationship, it’s easy to focus on the time apart. Instead, flip the script and focus on the future. Set goals together, such as planning a holiday, saving for a visit or even learning a new hobby together.

Having something to look forward to will make the distance feel less daunting.

And don’t underestimate the power of a good countdown. Whether it’s counting down the days until your next visit or a big milestone, a visual reminder can keep you both motivated. Plus, you can make it a bit of a competition - who’s more excited? The loser buys dinner on the next visit!

Embrace the quirks (and laugh at them)

Let’s face it, long-distance relationships have their quirks. Maybe your video calls always seem to freeze at the most awkward moments, or you’ve had to get creative with time zones (good morning and good night at the same time, anyone?).

Instead of getting frustrated, laugh it off! Embracing the weirdness is part of the charm.

Remember, every long-distance couple has their own unique challenges, and that’s what makes your relationship special. When the Wi-Fi goes down in the middle of a conversation or you send a text in the wrong time zone, take it in stride. It’s those moments that make for the best stories later on.

Keep the romance alive (yes, even from a distance)

Just because you’re apart doesn’t mean the romance has to die. Send them a playlist of songs that remind you of them, write them a poem (even if it’s terrible) or surprise them with a delivery of their favourite food. Small gestures go a long way to show them you’re thinking of them.

And don’t forget to keep things spicy. Flirty messages, surprise video calls and a bit of playful teasing can keep the romance alive. Who says long distance can’t be steamy?

Long-distance relationships aren’t easy, but with the right attitude and a good sense of humour, they can be incredibly rewarding. So rise to the challenge, keep things light and remember - love knows no distance. And if all else fails, there’s always the next flight or train ride to look forward to. Until then, keep the spark alive, one meme at a time.