Long distance relationships - how do you make it work?

[PrideMountain]

My boyfriend and I have been together for 8 months, but we've been long distance for the last 3 months since he moved for work. We're about 400 miles apart.

We video call every night and text throughout the day, but it's getting harder. The loneliness hits different, you know? We see each other every 2-3 weeks but it never feels like enough.

We're both committed to making this work, but I'm looking for practical advice from people who've been through this. How do you maintain intimacy? How do you deal with the jealousy/insecurity that creeps in?

Any tips would be amazing. Thanks! ?

[QueerBookworm]

LDRs are tough but definitely doable! My partner and I did 2 years long distance before we could move to the same city.

Some things that helped us:
- Having a clear timeline/plan for closing the distance
- Watching movies "together" over video call
- Sending care packages with little personal touches
- Being really intentional about communication - not just "how was your day" but deeper conversations

The jealousy thing is real. We had to work on building trust and being extra transparent about social situations. It gets easier with time.

Hang in there! ❤️

[RainbowWarrior23]

I haven't done long distance myself, but I have friends who made it work. One thing they swore by was having "virtual dates" - like ordering the same takeout and eating together over video, or playing online games together.

They also said having something to look forward to helped a lot. Like planning the next visit or talking about what you'll do when you're in the same city again.

Rooting for you both! ?

[CoastalDreamer]

The loneliness is the hardest part, I think. When I was in an LDR, I made sure to stay busy and maintain my friendships. It's easy to put your whole life on hold waiting for calls and visits.

Also, don't underestimate the power of voice messages! Sometimes hearing their voice randomly during the day meant more than a text.

You've got this ?

[CoastalDreamer]

Oh, and one more thing - make sure you're both putting in equal effort. LDRs can get lopsided really quickly if one person is always initiating contact or planning visits.

Communicate about expectations early and often. Good luck! ?