A lot of the advice on best practices for long-distance relationships centers on the fact that communication is key.
And while it definitely is, its more nuanced than that.
To begin with, there are many different types of communication, not all of them productive.
A lot depends onhowyou say something, and not just on what youre saying.
Plus, there are plenty of other things to keep in mind beyond communication.
Here are some tips from relationship experts on how to better maintain a long-distance relationship.
Yes, being able toseeyour person (virtually) can really make a difference.
A long distance relationship cannot thrive in perpetual limbo,Rachel DeAlto, chief dating expert forMatchtells Lifehacker.
Whats the plan to eventually unite?
Are those talks happening?
The tough conversations have to occur eventually.
Did you do something that hurt them?
Its important to know when your significant other is working, sleeping, walking the dog, etc.
Being aware of each others schedules can also help you feel like youre part of each others day-to-day lives.
Think of your relationship as morning, noon, and night, not just weekends or after-work check ins.
you should probably mix it up, Tammy Shaklee, an LGBTQ relationship expert and president ofH4M Matchmakingtells Lifehacker.
Each of you should propose something to look forward to.
Managing expectations is also essential, DeAlto says.
How much communication is expected?
How often will you see each other?
All couples but especially long-distance couplesneed to focus on speaking to each other from the heart over the head.
All couples but especially long-distance couplesneed to focus on speaking to each other from the heart over the head.
Let them support you in this long-distance relationship and continue to get to know this partner, she adds.
you could start by asking yourself whether youre happy, and whether you think your partner is happy too.
Then, she says, ask yourself how you could have been a better long-distance partner that day/week/month.
