Creative Ways to Stay Connected in a LDR

Creative Ways to Stay Connected in a LDR

August 9, 2015

Creative ways to stay connected in a LDR

How to make a long distance relationship work

Let’s just come right out and say it: long distance relationships suck. No matter how head over heels you are, it can feel lonely and downright frustrating more often than not.

Arguably the toughest thing about LDRs is that they can be all of the work of a relationship without the fun of going on exciting dates or meeting up after work for dinner and drinks. Communication is one of the most important things in any relationship, but let’s be honest — sometimes we just want someone to make out with. And that can be pretty hard when your soulmate is a plane ride away.

Luckily, technology has given us a few perks that make long distance easier than it was in the past. Try these four creative ways to stay connected with your loved one no matter the distance between you (Wi-Fi recommended):

1.Share Spotify playlists

Whether sharing lovey-dovey songs that remind you of each other or simply adding tunes you’re currently grooving to at work, a combined playlist is a great way to feel connected throughout the day. You may be 1,000 miles away tapping at your computers during your 9 to 5, but when you’re both jamming to Walk the Moon or Al Green, it adds a little extra fun to your time in the office. The work day may be long, and it may be weeks until you see each other again, but Al Green gets it: I-I-I… I’m so-o in loove with you.

2. Create private albums on Google Plus

This is a fantastic way to document all the memories of the times you spend together without putting every single goofy photo on Facebook or bombarding your Instagram followers. It also feels way more intimate, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be pictures from the last time you took a vacation together — sharing dorky photos and memes about your inside jokes is absolutely always a good idea. If laughter is the road to love, then hilarious GIFs can pave the way there.

3. Play game apps

With all the time spent on the phone and Skype trying to keep in touch, sometimes it just happens that you run out of things to talk about. It doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed, it just means there are times in life where you just don’t feel like talking. Getting competitive with your other half can be an entertaining and different way to have fun together from afar. After all, it is absolutely acceptable to trash talk over a game of Words With Friends.

4. Have a movie night

Sure, being in a LDR means fewer nights ordering in Chinese, cuddling up on the couch, and binge-watching your favourite Netflix shows, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still order in Chinese and binge-watch your favourite Netflix show together in different places. Plus, if it turns out you actually want pizza and he wants Mexican, it’s no biggie. Just set yourself up on the couch and be sure to press play at the same time. You can still eat pizza with one hand and hold your phone (to text or talk) with the other.

What’s your secret to building a lasting long distance relationship? Let us know in the comments below!

Sara is a freelance writer covering everything from finance to fashion. She has an unhealthy obsession with Alfred Hitchcock movies and reads the same books over and over. When she’s not hunched over her laptop writing in coffee shops, she can probably be found drinking a glass of wine and petting her one-eyed dog.