How To Stay Connected When They're Far Away

I don’t know about you, but my significant other and I spend most of our relationship apart. (Many would refer to it as a “long-distance” relationship). While not everyone can handle a long distance relationship, almost all of us are inevitably separated from our special someone at some time or another. Whether it be they’re gone at school, gone on an extended business trip, it’s a long distance relationship, or even if you only get to see them about once a week; there are some adorable, cute things you can do – that aren’t too sappy, but that keep you feeling connected.


1. Write love letters. Ok, yeah, so maybe this list will get a little sappy… but it’s just a girl thing. Me and my significant other talk every night on the phone. And I’m sure when you and your significant other are separated for whatever reason, you have ways of keeping in touch; whether that be e-mail, IM, phone, or other. Often times this leaves you feeling like you may have nothing to talk about in a letter. Hence the “love” part of the letter comes in. Write about why you love them, how you feel when they’re gone, or how something you saw that day reminded you of them. Oh, and another thing, when I say letter – I mean good old fashioned snail mail. That way they can hold it, touch it, and cherish it.

2. Send them flowers. Many think that this is only the man’s job, and while generally I agree with that – it’s kinda cute to send the guy flowers too. Sure, they may not appreciate it as much, but it still has the same meaning – you were thinking of them, and you wanted to send them something to make them smile. A little twist that could help with this – there are now many places where you can send cookie bouquets; a bouquet of cookies that look like flowers: after all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

3. Send them a box. This works best if your significant other is going to be gone for at least a week. But still, these days, a box can get there in a matter of days (or you can pay extra and it’ll be there the very next day). There are multiple things you can fill a box with; one of my favorites is hand baked goodies. Yet again, the way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart is through his (or her) stomach, and this will also generally put an extra smile on their face. (You might want to make sure they have enough people where they are to share it – or they might come back with some extra weight around there middle too!) Secondly is the dollar store – yeah, a lot of the stuff at the dollar store is hockey – but if you look enough you’ll find some treasures. Then there’s the good old themed package. You can theme is around the closest holiday (ie. Valentine’s Day); something that’s special to the two of you (a place, and item, etc.); or even around why they’re gone (for college you send school supplies, for a business trip, you can send a tie and his favorite type of pen... you get the idea). Have fun with it! Mix and match the box ideas. My latest box had me waking up to this message in my voicemail: “I’m just calling to tell you I love you, and you are freakin’ amazing. *laugh* I’ll talk to you tonight!”

4. Stick to the modern day conveniences. Yeah, unique is good, but hey – they are a lot of easy ways to stay connected now. Use them in special ways though. Text them just to say you miss them. Right them an e-mail just to say how much you love them. Call them every night just to talk about how each other’s day was. Just avoid any nagging or annoyance. They’re gone for a purpose, and they need to be able to get that purpose done too.


Till Next Time,
Andie Anderson