Relationships

20 Fun Things To Do in a Long Distance Relationship

September 3, 2024
9 min

Being hundreds or even thousands of miles apart, long distance relationships take work from both partners in a relationship.  With the advances of technology, couples are able to use the internet to keep in touch better and easily and make their relationship work even if you can't see each other face to face, or live in completely different parts of the world.  It may take more effort, but the distance could also offer couples a new way of discovering things about each other and keep the flame growing even if they are not in the same physical location all the time. 

Fun things only long distance couples can do together

Here are some fun things to do in a long distance relationship that could be used as a tool to help keep the spark alive.

1. Video or voice call regularly to stay in touch. 

Share pictures and videos of daily life. Video calling allows people to see each other's facial expressions and body language, providing a more personal and intimate connection than a text message. Video calls can be made from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for couples to connect even when you are far away from each other.

Woman on a video call with husband

2. Write love letters or emails to each other.

There’s an increase in intimacy when writing love letters to each other.  It offers a preservation of memories which can only strengthen a relationship. Writing love letters or emails is a meaningful and romantic way to express love and affection.

Love letter beside red roses

3. Plan surprise visits.

Surprising your partner with a visit can be a wonderful way to show your love and affection and make lasting memories and break up the monotony of long distance. Think of creative ways to surprise your partner, such as showing up at their workplace or hiding out in a special location until they arrive. Plan special activities or experiences for the two of you to enjoy during the visit. This could be anything from cooking a meal together to taking a scenic hike or visiting a new city. And make sure that if you’re at the receiving end, to show appreciation and express your love and gratitude to your partner for the visit and all that they mean to you.

4. Play online games together.

Playing video games or hosting a virtual game night as a couple can be a fun and romantic activity because it provides an opportunity to bond and connect on a shared interest. It can improve communication skills and encourage teamwork, leading to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. 

Playing colorful videogames on the living room television.

5. Watch movies or TV shows together, even if from different locations.

Spending time watching a movie together, even if it's virtually, provides an opportunity for quality one-on-one time. Old movies can also offer sentimental or nostalgic values that can provide a trip down memory lane and evoke happy memories.

Person Holding Black Iphone 4 watching Netflix

6. Cook the same meal and eat it together over video call.

Cooking and sharing a meal virtually can be a romantic activity in a long-distance relationship. Discussing recipes, ingredients, and cooking techniques can improve communication and deepen the emotional connection between partners. Cooking a meal from a partner's culture can be a fun way to learn about and experience new and different foods and customs. You could even try taking some cooking classes together online!

Young woman cooking while watching video on laptop

7. Plan a trip together to look forward to.

Excitement and anticipation for the upcoming journey can add to the romance as partners look forward to spending time together and creating new memories. If you're only a few cities away, you could each take a road trip and meet in another city that's between the both of you. Taking a trip together provides a chance to create new experiences, adding to the romance in the relationship.

8. Send each other care packages.

Care packages allow for a personal touch, as partners can tailor the contents to the recipient's interests, needs, and preferences. They can be a surprising and exciting gesture, brightening up a partner's day and providing a little extra love and affection. It can provide a physical connection, allowing partners to feel closer to one another even when they are apart and shows that partners are thinking of each other and care about their well-being. 

Care package of Swedish treats

9. Learn a new hobby or skill together.

Hobbies provide mental stimulation and can help to challenge and engage the brain, improving cognitive function and reducing stress. Learning a new hobby together can also increase confidence and self-esteem, as couples develop new skills and abilities. For example, you could each learn how to give massages and then use this skill to make things more intimate when you meet next. Hobbies can also provide an outlet for relaxation and stress relief, allowing couples to disconnect from their daily routines and focus on something they enjoy while doing it together. 

woman trying clay making art

10. Attend virtual events or concerts together.

Virtual concerts and events allow couples to attend performances or events that may not be available in their local area, providing a new and unique experience. They can be convenient, as partners can watch the performance from the comfort of their own homes, avoiding the hassle and expense of travel. This could serve as virtual date nights for couples to spend quality time with each other. 

Virtual concert on phone

11. Read the same book and discuss it over call.

Discussions about the book can help to improve communication and foster deeper conversations between partners, strengthening their relationship. Reading and discussing books can also provide an opportunity for personal growth and development, as partners broaden their perspectives and learn from each other. It can provide mental stimulation, as partners challenge and engage their minds with new ideas and concepts. 

Concentrated young black woman cuddling curious obedient dog while reading book ob bed

12. Plan a future life together and set goals for the future.

Planning for a future together is an important aspect of any relationship, as it helps couples to establish a shared vision and set goals for their future. Having shared goals and a shared vision for the future can provide a sense of purpose and direction for the relationship, fostering a stronger and more committed partnership. It can help to reduce stress and uncertainty, as couples have a clear understanding of what they want and how they plan to achieve it.

Photo of Person Putting Photo on Wall

13. Build a virtual scrapbook.

Creating a virtual scrapbook can serve as a memento of your relationship through time and can be especially important in long distance relationships. You’ll be able to upload pictures, messages and videos of your time spent together and apart and when you look back at it, hold sentimental value that can be irreplaceable. This provides partners with a unique way to express their love and commitment to one another, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

laptop with blank page beside coffee and notebook

14. Keep a shared journal.

Just like a diary or scrapbook, having a shared journal can also be  a neat way of keeping your memories together. It offers light into your partner’s thoughts, feelings and experiences that could otherwise be overlooked if you only keep in touch via the internet. Writing in a shared journal can be cathartic and help both parties release accumulated stress. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to stay connected with a long distance partner without being physically present.

Photo Of Person Holding Cup and reading journal

15. Create a playlist for each other.

Music can be a good way to bridge feelings in a relationship that a couple might not be able to say themselves. Through music, couples are able to express themselves better with the help of countless songs that are in the media. By making a playlist for each other and sharing this with your significant other, it can hold as a musical reminder of your loved one at times when you can’t physically be there for one another. 

Person Hearing Music on a Smartphone

16. Play 20 questions.

Long distance relationships may have its setbacks, but also strengths as well. In a long distance relationship, a couple is more likely to talk about intimate details at length and couples spend more time getting to know each other better than couples who might not ask as many questions to each other because they take for granted that they are living in close quarters together or see each other more often.  By playing a game of 20 questions over phone calls, text or video calls, a couple is more likely able to dig more into their partner’s mindset. 

girl on a video call in bed

17. Watch the sunset or sunrise.

Reminders to call each other at a certain time or sending gifts or care packages can show your partner how committed you are to your relationships.  Even if you live on opposite sides of the world, you are still able to keep in touch better through the advances of technology. The important thing is to be present and in the moment and witness experiences together even if you're apart. 

watching sunset by the beach

18. Make a time capsule.

Remember, long distance relationships are only temporary. Planning for the future together can only strengthen a bond in a relationship. For the time being, while you’re apart, you can start gathering things like pictures, written letters, postcards, etc. to put into a time capsule. Take the time to sort through mementos that remind you or your love for one another and seal it in a box to be opened later.  You may even write letters to your future selves and, or significant other to be put in the time capsule. It’s a fun way to recollect from the past.

Hands of a Person Holding Photographs

19. Do a workout together.

You may prefer yoga while the other likes to weight lift. Either way, you can spice up your relationship by working out together over a video call.  Set a time and date and get ready to get sweaty. It’s a great way to stay motivated and healthy.

Photo of a Woman Stretching Her Neck while Sitting on the Floor

20. Create a bucket list.

A bucket list is meant to be crossed off. Draw up things that you want to achieve as a couple together now and in the future. It can be as simple as riding a roller coaster or more elaborate like climbing a mountain. As time passes and you are reunited, it's a walk down memory lane to see all the things you’ve done together as a couple. The list of goals is something to look forward to and be a useful tool to plan ahead. 

Woman writing a bucket list on notebook

Conclusion

Long distance relationships can be difficult, but they can also be rewarding, providing the opportunity to experience personal growth, appreciate the power of communication, and form a deep bond. Couples are forced to get creative to keep the sparks alive and this is only a short list of fun things couples could do to keep it strong and fulfilling. It can be hard sometimes because the need for physical contact can’t be sufficed by just a phone call or a text message, but maybe the gift of an old sweater in a care package would do the trick. Buying each other’s perfume or cologne and smelling it while apart could also offer some comfort. 

Being in a long distance relationship requires trust, communication, and creativity. The time apart can be used to focus on individual goals and interests, leading to a deeper appreciation for each other when they are finally reunited. The anticipation and excitement of reunions can be a fun aspect of the relationship as well. Furthermore, long distance relationships allow for exploration of new places and cultures, leading to a wider perspective and greater appreciation for the world around us. Overall, long distance relationships offer a unique and fulfilling experience for those who are willing to put in the effort to make it work.

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