13 Ways to Make Him Feel Special (Long Distance)

Key Takeaways:

• Bring back old-fashioned romance
• Surprise him with heartfelt messages
• Stay connected with meaningful calls
• Plan thoughtful gifts and moments
• Show affection in creative ways

Long-distance relationships often come with a rollercoaster of emotions. You miss your partner's touch, the casual dinner dates, and even the simple silence shared together. It feels hard sometimes, doesn't it? We crave connection, and distance can amplify that longing. Dr. Gary Chapman, author of “The 5 Love Languages,” reminds us: “Love is a choice you make every day.” So how do we make our partner feel valued when a hug or a smile is miles away?

We've all wondered about ways to bridge that gap, to keep the romance alive despite the distance. Let's dig into some practical and heartfelt ways to make him feel genuinely special, from rekindling classic love gestures to playful digital interactions that keep sparks flying.

1. Rekindle the charm of pre-tech romance

Ever wondered what it was like when lovers had to wait days or weeks for a letter? There's something heartwarming about that anticipation. Try penning a heartfelt, handwritten letter. It may feel old-fashioned, but sometimes, the classics hold a deeper charm. Pour your heart out. Write about the moments you miss, the future you imagine, and everything you love about him.

Science backs this up. Dr. John Gottman, a relationship expert, has long emphasized the importance of turning towards our partners emotionally. Handwritten letters offer a way to connect in a raw, emotional form. Sure, texting is convenient, but letters create lasting memories. Take a moment to embrace the art of the written word, and you'll be surprised at the lasting impact.

2. Write him a surprise email

Maybe you're not up for writing a letter, but sending an email can still deliver a sweet surprise. In our fast-paced, digitally dominated world, emails may seem mundane. But when used intentionally, they can brighten his day.

Here's the key: Make it special. Write an email packed with affection. Start with a memory that makes you both laugh. Follow it up with a simple confession about how much you miss him. End with a bit of mystery, like a hint about a surprise you're planning. This keeps the conversation flowing and adds a sense of excitement. It's a simple but powerful way to stay connected.

3. Share an end-of-the-day call

We're all busy, juggling work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. Yet, taking time for a consistent, end-of-the-day call can create a comforting ritual. Think of it as your relationship's bedtime story—a moment to wrap up the day together.

Psychologists call this “bidding for connection.” When you share your experiences, even the most mundane ones, it fosters emotional intimacy. Make it a habit. You can keep it casual or add some flair by playing games or reading a book together. The key is to be present. It's not about the duration of the call but the quality of your connection.

4. Spontaneously flirt through texts

Let's be real: Flirting doesn't have to be saved for special occasions. Being playful through texts can inject energy into your relationship. We often underestimate the power of cheeky, spontaneous messages. Maybe send him a simple “I can't stop thinking about you” or a playful “Guess what I'm wearing?” Trust me, it can spark some serious excitement.

Research shows that playful communication helps maintain relationship satisfaction. It builds a sense of closeness, even when physical proximity isn't possible. So, don't hold back. Flirt like you're still trying to win him over. It keeps the relationship fun and, well, a little mischievous.

5. Curate thoughtful surprise gifts

Who doesn't love surprises? Gifts don't have to be extravagant. The best ones are thoughtful and personal. Maybe it's a book he's been wanting to read, a care package with his favorite snacks, or something that reminds him of an inside joke you both share.

Personalized gifts, such as a photo album of your favorite memories together, can have a profound effect. As psychology research suggests, tangible items tied to meaningful experiences evoke positive emotions. The thought you put into these gifts will remind him how much he means to you.

Tip: Add a note explaining why you chose each item. It adds a layer of intention and lets him feel that connection despite the distance.

6. Send silly, candid selfies

Long-distance relationships often miss the light-hearted, everyday moments. Sending a goofy selfie of yourself in pajamas or making a funny face brings some of that back. It's a simple way to show him your authentic, unpolished self.

We tend to take communication too seriously sometimes. But relationships also thrive on playfulness. So don't worry about looking perfect. Embrace the silly, and let him see the side of you that makes him smile. A quick, playful snapshot can go a long way in keeping things light and fun.

7. Show love with social media PDA

Not everyone loves public displays of affection, but when you're far apart, a little social media love can make a big impact. Posting a sweet photo of you both with a heartfelt caption or tagging him in a cute meme shows him (and the world) how much he means to you. It's a way to feel connected and remind him you're proud of your relationship.

Think of it like creating virtual love notes. It's not about oversharing, but about celebrating your bond. This modern form of PDA may even spark meaningful interactions from friends and family who love seeing your love story. It's all about finding what feels right for both of you.

8. Plan meaningful in-person visits

Ah, the magic of reunions! One of the biggest joys in a long-distance relationship is counting down the days until you see each other again. Planning your next visit can give both of you something to look forward to, but make sure those plans are intentional. Discuss how you want to spend that precious time together.

Quality over quantity. It doesn't have to be an extravagant vacation. Maybe you want a quiet weekend cooking meals, or perhaps exploring a new city together. Creating shared experiences helps deepen your connection. According to attachment theory, shared positive experiences build a sense of security and togetherness. So make it meaningful, even if it's brief.

9. Dress up for virtual dates

Virtual dates can feel routine, but putting in the effort to dress up can make them feel special. Pick an outfit you'd wear if he were right there. It sets the mood and shows him that your time together, even through a screen, is important.

Maybe plan a theme: a fancy dinner night or a cozy movie marathon in matching pajamas. The visual element of dressing up plays into what psychologists call “enclothed cognition”—the idea that clothing influences how we feel and interact. Dressing up adds excitement and anticipation, transforming a regular video call into something memorable.

10. Watch movies together online

Streaming platforms have made virtual movie nights easier than ever. Grab some popcorn, sync up your screens, and enjoy a film together. Whether it's a rom-com, an action-packed thriller, or a documentary, the shared experience creates a sense of closeness.

Comment throughout the movie, laugh together, or debate the plot twists. These little moments mimic the feeling of sitting side by side. According to a study in the Journal of Communication, watching media together can help couples feel emotionally close, even when physically apart. It's the simple joy of sharing something at the same time.

11. Express your feelings clearly

We can't read each other's minds, especially when separated by distance. Being clear and intentional about how you feel isn't just important; it's essential. Don't assume he knows how much you miss or love him. Say it. Be specific. Texts like “I miss your laugh” or “I'm proud of you” go a long way.

Psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg, in his book “Nonviolent Communication,” emphasizes the value of honest, empathetic expression. Let your partner know what you feel and need. It deepens understanding and strengthens your emotional bond.

Remember, vulnerability fosters closeness. Even if sharing your feelings feels a bit awkward, it can bring you both closer. Communication is your superpower in a long-distance relationship, so wield it often.

12. Make a shared love playlist

Music holds the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Creating a shared playlist with songs that remind you of each other is a beautiful way to stay connected. Maybe it includes your favorite love songs, tunes from concerts you attended together, or tracks that capture how you feel when you think of him.

When he listens, he'll feel closer to you, and vice versa. Playlists can become an audio love letter, a soundtrack to your relationship. Personalize it and add a note about why you chose each song. A thoughtful mix can make the distance feel a little less wide.

Conclusion

Long-distance love isn't for the faint of heart. It requires creativity, patience, and an unwavering commitment to staying emotionally connected. But it's not impossible. Every small effort you make, from a handwritten letter to a shared song, is a step toward deepening your bond. Love is more than physical proximity; it's about finding ways to stay present in each other's lives, even from afar.

Distance can test your relationship, but it can also make it stronger. So, embrace the challenges and celebrate the little victories. Because at the end of the day, the love you share is worth every mile.

Recommended Resources

• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman - Discover ways to express love effectively.
• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg - Learn to communicate your feelings and needs clearly.
• Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller - Understand how attachment styles influence relationships.