So you’ve just arrived in Taiwan; ready to embark on a journey and pursue a rewarding career abroad. However, reality now starts to sink in: you’re in a new place, away from your family and friends. Also, your relationship with your spouse or partner has now become a long distance one, a.k.a. “LDR.”
Maintaining a long distance relationship is not easy. Aside from being apart physically, you’ll have to deal with loneliness, missing special events, or even trust issues. However, there are ways to make these relationships “bearable,” and before you know it… you’re back together again!
10 Tips for Surviving a Long Distance Relationship (LDR)
How can you and your loved one survive a long distance relationship? Here are some practical ways to maintain a strong connection… across the miles:
Make Time for Each Other
Since Taiwan and the Philippines are in the same time zone, you don’t have to worry about “time differences.” Still, you need to intentionally set a time when you and your spouse/partner can connect. This involves knowing each other’s work schedules, days off, and free time. Even if you have to miss a few hours sleep, making time for each other is essential to a lasting relationship!
Communicate Daily
Communication is one of the keys to developing and sustaining any relationship, especially LDRs! You and your partner need to establish a “routine,” like daily morning greetings, bed time calls, texts throughout the day, and so on. This way, both of you have something to look forward to… special moments that solidify your bond!
Listen and Be Mindful
Listening is an important part of communication, and it becomes all the more necessary in a long distance relationship! Is there a serious matter or problem that needs to be discussed? Or perhaps your partner has had a stressful day and needs a listening ear? Always make sure that when you talk, you are both sensitive to each other’s moods or feelings.
Have “Virtual Dates”
Thanks to digital technology, sending a message or making calls is just one click away! Use these tools to have “virtual dates” from time to time! Aside from having video calls, you can play online games, or even watch a movie “together”!
Here’s another idea: make an “audio” or “video” message to surprise your partner! It doesn’t have to be for a special occasion; the simple fact that you are making an effort to connect will surely win his/her heart.
Send Letters and Packages
Of course, let’s not forget: sending letters or packages via post or courier is always a good idea! Is your loved one’s birthday coming up? Arranging for cakes and gifts to arrive at his/her doorstep is now easy as pie! Is your anniversary coming up? Make a call or send a message to the florist, and they’ll take care of everything!
What’s more, have you heard of “car trunk” surprises? The one where a car arrives at a person’s house, in the guise of making a delivery, when in fact there’s a surprise waiting for them in the trunk? Usually, there’s cake, flowers, and gifts… Try arranging a car trunk surprise for your partner on your anniversary!
Keep Each Other Up to Date
Usually, the simple act of talking about each other’s day is enough to keep the bond strong. You can tell your partner about the latest developments at work, what’s happening in Taiwan, any new hobbies or groups that you’ve joined. This way, even if you’re not physically together, you’ll know what’s going on in each other’s lives!
Trust Each Other
Trust is a crucial part of every relationship, and there are certainly times when one or both of you might feel jealous, worried, or insecure. Since you’re not “together,” who’s to stop other people from getting near or trying to attract your partner, right?
These things don’t have to be a problem if there’s honesty, trust, and respect in the relationship. You need to assure your partner that you are loyal and trustworthy; and vice versa. When it comes to interacting with colleagues and other people, set clear boundaries; and make it clear that you are in a committed relationship!
Think Positive
Yes, being apart is hard; indeed, there are time when the loneliness can seem unbearable. However, don’t let these feelings overwhelm you! When you think about it, there are some advantages to a long distance relationship — the chance for both of you to grow personally, to learn new skills, and to find ways of communicating more effectively. Think of this period as a “test” that will only make your relationship better and stronger!
Keep the “Spark” Alive
Romance is a necessary part of relationships. How can you keep the “spark” alive, despite the distance? Aside from virtual dates, letters and packages — how else can you strengthen your bond?
We’re not just talking about spending time or giving material gifts. We want you to think deeper about you and your partner’s connection. Is the “spark” still there? Do you still feel “kilig” whenever you talk or see each other? Sometimes, we need to put in extra effort and really try to make sure that our partners are happy and fulfilled!
Make Plans… Together
Always remember: being in a long distance relationship is temporary. There will come a time when you can finally be together… and it will certainly be worth the wait!
For now, what you can do is make plans with your partner. What are your long-term goals? Build a house, start a family, establish your own business? Talking about these things will keep both of you motivated and excited about the future!
Being in a long distance relationship is not easy. There are many challenges and hardships that you will encounter. However, as long as there is trust, respect, and honesty in your relationship — you need not worry! Also, daily talks, virtual dates, gifts… all of these things can help strengthen a relationship, despite the distance!
Speaking of distance, aside from missing your family, do you also miss Filipino food, snacks, and other products? To ease your homesickness, we’ve compiled a list of Filipino stores in Taiwan where you can purchase Pinoy foods and products! Be sure to check them out!