Fill the distance with love

Here are some useful tips which can help strengthen and nurture the romantic bond between the couples who are geographically separated from each other

Is he/she worth waiting for, does she/he feeling the same way I do? Am I kidding myself thinking long-distance can work? What if they find someone else? These questions and more are likely to haunt people in a long-distance relationship. Moreover, Skype calls and blinking chat windows can’t replace physical presence. But this can be dealt with, wisely.

Long distance relationships are not a new concept in India. Increased globalisation and rapid development across the country, has increased its prevalence, and has made it important to sustain such relationships as every couple at some point of time will have to face distance. With increased education, cultural maturity and the permeation of digital technologies in our lives, the value and significance of protecting relationships has grown.

A 2018 survey on long-distance couples found that while 27 per cent had never lived near each other, about 50 per cent of couples in the survey had met each other online. Hirak Patel, Counselling Psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, shares a few coping mechanisms that couples follow to nurture a long-distance relationship: Mutual acceptance: Acceptance that in this phase, the person is not going to be around you physically. Accept the reason behind getting into this phase, the variable reasons could be due to a job switch, financial needs, family circumstances or any other. Acceptance helps the couple sail through the phase smoothly and keep the lamp of hope burning. Communication is the key:

Communication is a key aspect when people are in a long-distance relationship. Truthful communication and giving enough space is important. One needs to understand that there is some leeway that needs to be given. Communicate because you feel like it and do not force yourself into it. Sharing things about each other’s day can help in maintaining a crucial connection even from afar.

Using technology in different ways: Video call, writing an E-mail, surprising through letters, online gifting to maintain excitement in the relationship is good way to stay connected and express love.

Encourage listening: Show immediate appreciation when he/she listens to you properly and show interest when they are talking. Doing activities together: There is a need to explore and experience things together when people are in a relationship, but in a longdistance relationship, it becomes difficult. However, doing some activities together like watching a movie at the same time, virtually cooking together, or exploring one’s day virtually could help the couple sail through. Also, make time for a holiday together as well.