Disconnect in Long Distance Relationships: 10 Rules

Feeling Disconnected?

The distance between two hearts can sometimes be as vast as an ocean or as narrow as a thread. In a long-distance relationship, this gap can fluctuate wildly, often leaving one feeling disconnected. You're not alone if you've ever stared at your phone, wondering why the words on the screen seem so cold, despite knowing they're from the person you love. I've been there too. The feeling of disconnection in a long distance relationship is an unseen villain, causing a silent havoc.

Though technology has connected us in unprecedented ways, it can never fully replicate the warmth of a shared smile or the comfort of a touch. This makes maintaining a long distance relationship a complex task. Yet, if you're reading this, it's not because you're interested in the challenges. You're here because you want to overcome them. And you can. The following unspoken rules offer ways to rekindle the connection you might feel slipping away in your long distance relationship. So, let's dive in.

1. Embrace the Emptiness (Before Filling It)

When we feel disconnected, our immediate reaction is to fill that void. We frantically send messages, make calls, or plan surprise visits. While these are noble efforts, they sometimes ignore a crucial step: embracing the emptiness. Remember my own long distance relationship, there was a period of disconnection that felt like a chasm. I realized that I had to acknowledge the emptiness before I could start filling it. Embracing the void doesn't mean you're accepting defeat. Instead, it means you're preparing for victory. It means you're making room for understanding, empathy, and connection.

2. Foster Transparency (Your Shield Against Misunderstandings)

Misunderstandings are potent relationship destroyers, especially in a long distance relationship. They breed from unshared feelings and unvoiced concerns. Transparency, therefore, is your best defense. In my experience, the more open I was about my feelings, fears, and expectations, the more my partner understood me. And the more I understood her. This mutual understanding was a powerful antidote to the disconnection we felt. Transparency might make you feel vulnerable, but it's this vulnerability that builds trust and connection.

3. Prioritize Communication (But Don't Force It)

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, but its importance gets amplified in a long distance one. Regular conversations create a sense of being together, even when you're miles apart. However, it's essential to strike a balance. While absence can make the heart grow fonder, constant virtual presence can lead to communication fatigue. There were times in my own relationship when I felt like we were talking too much, yet saying too little. So, the trick is not just to communicate, but to communicate effectively. Meaningful conversations can build deeper connections than frequent, but shallow, interactions.

4. Cultivate Independence (Your Hidden Strength)

It's natural to miss your partner when they're not physically present. But if their absence leaves you feeling incomplete, it might be time to nurture your independence. It might seem counterintuitive, but fostering independence doesn't mean you're drifting apart. On the contrary, it can bring you closer. When I focused on my personal growth during periods of disconnection in my relationship, I noticed a strange phenomenon. I started to feel more connected with my partner. This is because my increased self-reliance allowed us to be two complete individuals coming together, rather than two halves trying to form a whole. Independence can be a source of strength in a long distance relationship, making you less susceptible to feelings of disconnection.

5. Nurture Trust (The Foundation of Your Connection)

Trust is not a mere feeling; it's the bedrock of a healthy long distance relationship. When trust is present, it acts as a buffer against misunderstandings and insecurities that often accompany feelings of disconnection. In my experience, building trust involved being consistent, being honest, and being there for my partner — even when "being there" meant being present emotionally, not physically. With trust as the foundation of your relationship, the feeling of disconnection becomes easier to navigate.

6. Practice Patience (The Greatest Virtue)

When you're miles apart from your partner, patience isn't just a virtue; it's a necessity. Waiting for replies, waiting for calls, waiting for visits — long distance relationships are often a game of waiting. When this waiting gets too long, feelings of disconnection can creep in. I've been in those waiting periods, staring at my phone, hoping for a message that would bridge the chasm. But I learned that patience is the antidote to this anxiety. Patience gives your partner the space they need, and it also gives you the time you need to understand your emotions. It helps in maintaining the connection at your own pace, rather than forcing it.

7. Rekindle the Romance (Keep the Spark Alive)

Distance might make the heart grow fonder, but it can also make the romance fade. When you can't go on dates or share intimate moments, feelings of disconnection can become potent. In such times, rekindling the romance can work wonders. Sending thoughtful gifts, planning virtual dates, or just reminding your partner why you fell in love can reignite the spark that distance might have dimmed. From personal experience, these gestures, no matter how small, can make your partner feel valued and connected.

8. Be Flexible (Adapt and Grow)

Long distance relationships are like living organisms. They grow, they change, and they adapt. And for them to survive and thrive, you must be flexible too. During my journey, I had to change my communication patterns, adjust my expectations, and even shift my perspectives. But every change brought me closer to my partner and made our bond stronger. Flexibility allows your relationship to evolve, keeping feelings of disconnection at bay.

9. Cherish the Little Things (Find Joy in Simplicity)

In a long-distance relationship, it's the little things that count the most. A spontaneous message, a shared song, or a photo from your day can create shared moments that bridge the distance. During times of disconnect in my relationship, I found that it was these small tokens of love and shared experiences that helped us feel closer. They were reminders of our bond, tangible proof of our shared life despite the miles between us. So, cherish the little things. They can be your lifeboat in the ocean of disconnection.

10. Believe in Your Relationship (Your Biggest Asset)

Finally, and most importantly, believe in your relationship. It's easy to doubt your bond when you feel disconnected, but it's during these moments that your belief is most needed. Your faith in your relationship and in your partner can act as a self-fulfilling prophecy, strengthening your connection even during hard times. When I felt disconnected, I reminded myself of why I was in the relationship in the first place, of the love that spanned miles and time zones. This belief was a powerful force, acting like a beacon guiding us back to each other. So, believe. Even when it's hard, especially when it's hard.

Overcoming the Disconnect

Feeling disconnected in a long distance relationship can be disheartening. But it's not insurmountable. By embracing these ten unspoken rules, you can bridge the gap and rekindle the connection. It's a journey, a journey I've been on and one that has taught me a lot about love, about distance, and about connection. Remember, a long distance relationship isn't for the faint-hearted. It's for the believers, the dreamers, and those who dare to love across borders and time zones.

Resources

• Loving Your Long Distance Relationship - Stephen Blake
• Maintaining A Long Distance Relationship - TEDx Talk by Seema Anand
• Long-distance relationship - Wikipedia