I met my husband 8 years ago. He was visiting with friends and we met through mutual friends. His home at the time was about 4 hours away. We started out by talking on the phone every night. Then we considered ourselves exclusive shortly after that. And five years later, we shared vows and had the best day of our lives. We dated as a long-distance couple for 2 years before we decided that it was time to take the next step.

6 Lessons You Can Learn from Newlyweds About Long-Distance Relationships

Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through or make a purchase. 

Lesson 1: Discuss Expectations of the Relationship Upfront

Are you looking for someone to marry one day? Or, do you plan to go steady with no plan for how your future together unfolds? It is best to start to a long-distance relationship by being clear with your partner about your expectations in the very beginning.

Lesson 2: Make Time for Each Other

You don’t have the luxury of meeting up in person when you want to. So, it is important that you find time to communicate with each other. Technology has made this easy for those in long-distance relationships. You can Face-Time, Snapchat or simply call or text your significant other whenever you would like. Depending on where you are in the world, your time zone may differ from each other. Be clear about appropriate times that your partner can contact you. You will see that communicating will strengthen your commitment and trust between each other.

Lesson 3: Treat It Like It Is A Traditional Relationship

Honesty and integrity is key to the success of a long-distance relationship. It is not okay to still interact with past partners or potentially new partners. It is likely that it may be a long time before you and your long distant mate can interact in person. However, this is not a reason to seek intimacy elsewhere. If you stay faithful, it is possible that your long-distance relationship could turn into a life-long partnership. For my partner and I, it led to marriage.

Lesson 4: Visit Each Other

Distance may make it hard for you to see each other more than a few times a year. But, do arrange time to meet each other in person. It feels like your favorite day every single time and it never gets old. It’s amazing how much love can build up when you haven’t seen someone in while. This is important…make time to see each other.

Lesson 5: Know that There Are Times You May Feel Lonely

Long-distance relationships are not always rainbows and unicorns. You will be out with friends and sometimes you feel like a third wheel because your special someone is not there. You will see other couples out and about and wish your partner was there to share the moment with you. It honestly will get lonely sometimes. And, that’s okay. It is a part of the process.

Lesson 6: Allow Room for Growth

It’s hard to read emotion through email and texts, so do not be so quick to assume you understand a situation. That can quickly lead to arguments burning the time remaining in your relationship. To make this long-distance thing work, you will need to have patience. Allow some room for growth where you can learn about each other.  That’s what any relationship is all about… growing and learning about life together.

Long distance relationships are hard, but can be worth it if you are willing to work with the limitations you may face. If you are a long-distance relationship success story, share in the comments how long you were together and if you are still together?

5 Books Every Couple Serious About the Growth of Their Relationship Should Read