In today's post I thought I'd talk a little bit about love, specifically LONG-distance Love. As in, you're here and the soul-mate, significant other, sorta whatever is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy over there.
Fiance and I have been in a long distance relationship for a little over a year and a half now. WOW how time flies! I won't lie, it has been incredibly difficult. I wouldn't give him up for anything and I totally mushy gushy cherish all of the little moments that we actually have gotten to spend together over the last 18 months, more than pretty much anything. (Seriously I love this guy) But lemme tell you, trying to date from different time zones is no walk in the park.
No really, you literally can't even walk in the park together. So unless you like lonely walks...or you have blue-tooth or something...
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| This symbolizes loneliness right? |
One thing that Fiance and I like to do are "Dinner and a Movie" dates. We both have iPads so we just hop on Face time at a predetermined time during the week whenever we're both free, and one of us has picked out a movie to watch for the night. We try to get them on DVDs but sometimes I have to download them onto the computer, which is fine just kind of a pain. (Also, you can do this with Skype or Oovoo or one of the many other video chat services, Face time is just most convenient for us). Then we cook, sometimes we'll try out the same recipe (it's like we're having dinner TOGETHER you guys!) and other times it's whatever is leftover in the fridge that just really needs to be cooked. (How long has this chicken been here?)
That's our big night to just kind of relax, unwind and pretend that the other one isn't just compressed to a small tablet screen while the reality is miles away. This scheduling is especially helpful since Fiance's schedule is pretty um...how shall we say...crappy? Working 15-18 hour shifts molding the hearts and minds of America's next generation of Soldiers...good stuff. No.
Another thing we do is talk constantly. Either through texts, phone calls or chat. And the occasional weird psychic message (don't ask. It's freaky). I think this is crucial for every relationship though, whether they're near, far...oh I'm having Titanic flash backs.
Right, so communication = key.
Also, it's nice if you can try to have something interesting to talk about. Sure there's the daily recap and once you've exhausted all of the little "Had to Be There" stories from your day it's probably time for bed anyway. But every once in awhile, try to mix it up...you know, discuss your ideas on how to solve that whole world hunger problem or play the "if I had a million dollars" game. Great fun. Usually Fiance gets to listen to me go on and on and on about my latest life plan. (It changes at least every other day. This week it's UX Design YAY!)
The last and most important lesson that I've learned from this wacky experiment in love though, is almost counter-intuitive, but oh-so-important! You gotta remember to take time for yourself and the things that you enjoy doing and the friends that are you know...around. Whether that's taking time off from the Internet to just unwind with a good book, or going out for drinks with the bestie. Definitely just make sure that you remember that special "you time."
One of the main things I love about Fiance is that he understands when I need to just do stuff, he's not pushy or needy and I try not to be that way with him either. Even though there are miles and miles and states between us. We still need "space" for ourselves.
I'd love to hear any of your unique takes on long-distance dating too!
Watching the same movie at the same time is a great idea! That's so nice that you still have dates even though you are far away from one another.
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