In order to make a long distance relationship work, you need more than just love and patience. You also need to understand what both partners need. Understanding what guys want in a long distance relationship isn’t always easy.
The distance really is the hardest part, but there are ways to go about things in a way that’s creative, trusting, and open for both partners to succeed.
This article aims to help you out with that. It delves into the heart of what guys want in a long distance relationship. Along the way, it offers tips, so couples can keep moving forward despite the miles between them.
What guys want in a long distance relationship?
At its core, every dude wants the same thing from one of these arrangements: Connection, understanding, and mutual growth. They’re looking for an emotional bond that goes beyond physical presence.
A deep understanding from their partner about their life and challenges. And a place where they can both grow together — as well as individually.
So how’s it done? Let’s get into some details about what exactly guys really want when it comes down to it.
Communication is Key
When you’re not able to see each other regularly, especially if you’re in a long-term relationship, there’s only one tool you have at your disposal: Communicating effectively through whatever means necessary is absolutely vital for any long-distance relationship success.
Tips for Enhancing Communication:
- Make use of modern tech: Video calls! Voice messages! Instant messaging! All three will help keep your convos dynamic and engaging.
- Be Present: Put everything else aside when you chat with your partner — even if only for half an hour or so — giving them everything you’ve got.
- Conversations outside the box: Start a book club between the two of you, watch the same movie and discuss it, or play online games together. They’re all activities that can lead to fresh conversations and new ways of connecting.
Trust and Security
The foundation of any long-distance relationships is trust. Pure and simple. It’s about believing in each other’s commitment no matter what happens, or how long you go without seeing each other.
Building Trust:
- Be Open: Establish an environment where sharing your feelings with one another comes naturally.
- Consistency: The more regularly you check in with each other, the more routine it will feel. This will provide a sense of comfort for both parties.
- Addressing Jealousy: It’s natural to feel jealous when you can’t be with your partner for extended periods of time. Talk openly about how this kind of stuff makes you feel, so that together you might be able to find some solutions.
Independence and Support
It might sound confusing, but guys want their partner to fly free even when they’re halfway around the world from them. But flying free doesn’t mean leaving them behind — not at all! On top of doing their own thing, guys want someone who supports them just as much as they support her.
Encouraging Independence and Support:
- Personal Goals: Encourage each other to pursue personal ambitions and hobbies. When appropriate, celebrate achievements together.
- Space: Give each other some breathing space once in a while. It’s good for personal growth and self-reflection.
- Support System: Be each other’s number one fan. Always offer support, especially during tough times or individual pursuits.
Intimacy and Creativity
Being far away doesn’t mean the end of intimacy. It just requires creativity and effort. What guys want in a long distance relationship is to feel loved, desired, and emotionally connected — even from miles away. So find innovative ways to express your affection and keep that spark alive.
Here are some ideas:
- Care Packages: Send personalized gifts or letters so they have something you’ve touched that they can hold on to.
- Virtual Dates: Have dinner over video call, watch a movie simultaneously or stargaze over the phone. These moments are what memories are made of.
- Open Dialogue About Desires: Be open about what you both want, and let them know if there’s anything you don’t like too much. Talking about this stuff strengthens your connection with each other.
Future Planning
Talk about the future regularly. What guys want in a long-distance relationship is reassurance that it won’t be like this forever and that there are plans for you two to finally be together again soon. Having a vision for the future gives hope and motivation, reminding them why it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Follow these steps:
- Set Realistic Goals: Discuss timelines and practical steps towards living together eventually.
- Dream Together: Share your dreams and aspirations as a couple. Where do you see yourselves? What adventures await?
- Visit Plans: Update each other regularly with your visit plans, so there’s always something to look forward to together.
Understanding and Patience
Long distance will test anyone’s patience at some point — but that doesn’t mean it can’t work out great! What guys want in a long distance relationship is understanding when things get hard, plus enough patience to get through those challenges together as a team.
Remember that the distance can sometimes amplify certain situations, that can lead to a relationship break. So when things get tough, try to navigate them with compassion and empathy.
Here’s how:
- Embrace the Struggle: Accept that there will be bad days and use them as opportunities to grow your relationship.
- Communication Breaks: Understand that sometimes it’s best to take a step back and give each other space during an argument.
- Celebrate the Small Things: Acknowledge the effort you both put in just to make this work. Celebrate small milestones together!
Building a Stronger Tomorrow
By focusing on communication, trust, independence, intimacy, future planning, patience and understanding you guys will be able to navigate through anything. What guys want in a long-distance relationship is not just survival but growth.
Just remember that distance is merely a chapter in your love story – so write it with all the love, understanding and dedication you can muster!
May it guide you into a beautiful shared future!