The most exciting part of a long-distance relationship is when you get to see each other. But when you visit your partner, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do…
It’s difficult when you hardly manage to see your partner and aren’t physically part of each other’s day-to-day lives. You miss out on special milestones in their life and aren’t there to celebrate each other’s achievements. Most of all, long-distance relationships can get quite lonely.
However, when you do get to see them suddenly all is right with the world.
But there are some things you simply should and shouldn’t do when you get there:
Don’t use all your time together on a holiday
Visiting your partner who lives far away may feel like a holiday for you, but that doesn’t mean you should only treat it as one. Going away for the weekend or spending too much time doing touristy things will make your relationship feel like a holiday fling rather than an actual committed partnership that you need to put effort and work into.
Instead, go out to dinner at their favourite local restaurant or have breakfast at their favourite coffee shop.
Do insist on meeting the people in their lives
Meet their friends and their colleagues. Make an effort to get to know the people they see and talk to when you’re not there. They are part of your partner’s life and it’s important that you interact with them.
Why? Because they’re the ones who are there to support your loved one when you simply can’t. And you’ll know exactly who your partner is talking about when they tell you stories over the phone.
Of course, this is not an excuse to get jealous about any attractive friends they may have.
Going away for the weekend or spending too much time doing touristy things will make your relationship feel like a holiday fling rather than an actual committed partnership that you need to put effort and work into
Don’t avoid talking about issues
In every relationship there are bound to be some issues. Do you keep missing their phone calls? Are they not available when you really need to talk to them? You need to bring these things up before they turn into bigger issues.
You should also discuss the things you find hardest to deal with in a long-term relationship. Commiserate with each other. It’ll remind you both that you’re in this together.
Do get involved in their day-to-day lives
It’s only natural that having you there will disrupt their daily routine. But you should try to see what they get up to on a daily basis.
Obviously you probably shouldn’t hang around their office or their classroom, but you could at least see where they spend their days. Be a part of their life while you have the opportunity.
Visiting your partner when they live far away is both exciting and scary at the same time. But it’s important to remember to enjoy their company while you’re there. And a nice touch is to bring them a gift, whether it’s jewellery or a box of their favourite chocolate.