LONG DISTANCE (from a woman who survived USA to Europe)

[@SarahBecks713]

My fiancé and I have been long distance for about 2 and a half years. A couple things that have really worked for us are: setting aside a specific day for dates (we usually video call and cook the same thing together so we're eating the same meal at the same time), having "I love..." journals where we wright something every night about our relationship or something we love about the other person, and taking time to do devotionals and be in the Word together. All of these things have made it a lot easier, I think, to be so far apart for so long. I've definitely felt closer to him every time we've cooked together or every time I've written about him. And now, we're getting married in May!

[@cadencehogge8528]

Quick tip: don't feel like you have to get engaged before one of you moves to be near the other. Moving first is often a really good way to learn more about each other and your relationship WITHOUT pressure of a ring and wedding date. If it doesn't work out, it's easier to go your separate ways without breaking an engagement.

[@kendramac3969]

Great tip! I feel there is definitely that pressure that when you move closer to your bf or gf you want to move up a step. When really you are just getting to know them better

[@Empanda9]

I just got into a long distance relationship. This is perfect!!

[@reallifepsych3309]

Thank you for this. I did a long distance relationship for 2+ years when it really should’ve ended maybe after 1. Part of the problem with long distance is you can delay the inevitable because you’re not in front of each other to face it. I appreciate the tips, but also if the relationship isn’t right, it won’t work no matter what.

[@kaeleeeichorst1506]

My boyfriend and I have been dating for about 9 months long distance. We met in college and after I graduated and got a job and JUST moved away when we started talking. (Of course that’s when he initiated!) We were friends in college however sometimes I find it awkward when we get back together in person which we thankfully have been able to do once a month since we started dating. I think we are just so excited to be back in the same place at the same time it’s like we don’t know how to act around each other. That awkward feeling does go away eventually, but it makes me feel like I’m 13 and don’t know how to be in a relationship or even talk. Does anyone else experience this?

[@evelyntippie4106]

I just found out that my boyfriend can’t visit me during Valentine’s Day anymore because of the icy roads over the weekend. He lives about six hours away and the drive isn’t worth the risk 😔 but I’m happy I know he’ll be safe at home instead of on dangerous roads.

[@hannahb7877]

Thanks Emily! Do you have a video about what it’s like going from LDR to the same place full time?

[@julia_zaniewski]

I’ve been in a long distance relationship for almost two years now (but only an hour time difference). Thank you so much for this encouraging video!! It can definitely be challenging at times, but there have been so so so many blessings that have come out of it.

[@juliam.8147]

Totally agree on the part of having mercy! You should always at least try to be as patience as possible and keeping in the back of your head that some of the problems might dissapear once you live closer to each other. And also, never go to bed still mad at the other person. It's never you against someone, but always you two against the problem🥰

[@HaleyMary]

I find online dating doesn't work for me because I need face to face contact in order to see how people's body language and tone of voice are. My dating life is pretty much on hold until this pandemic is over.

[@_florinab]

Also, be understanding when the two of you don't speak the same language and you meet through a language that you don't necessarily master on the same level ! And, because of that, don't take care too much about how the things are said because it might be not the way he/she wanted to express it 😊

[@kathyalex778]

Your videos always make me smile! Thank you for posting on this lovely day

[@tiffanytavassoli6646]

Love you, emily!

[@shelley9565]

Definitely gonna be watching this again and sitting on it over the new few weeks. Patience in the pandemic! That’s touched my heart.

[@veronicab1415]

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you!!

[@KelleyOlivia]

This is a great video-I just got in a LDR pretty recently and so much of this rings true. Patience really is key! Could you do a video on navigating traveling with a boyfriend while trying to remain chaste? It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot. I want to go on trips with him but I also don’t want to stay in the same room....

[@tiffanytavassoli6646]

Love you, emily!

[@annnichole5495]

Thank you!!!!

[@daniellekramer93]

I just FaceTimed with a potential boyfriend yesterday. Couldn’t have came at a better time for me. You should do a video on how long to be friends before you date someone. There is a guy I’m talking to that wants to ask me out after a month of talking. I think it’s wrong

[@ayeshat6868]

My husband and I got engaged about 3 months after we first started talking and we were long distance pretty much the whole time. I don't see anything wrong with him asking you out after a month of talking. He probably knows what he wants and isn't afraid of pursuing you. That said, it doesn't mean you are obligated in any way to accept, especially if you don't feel the same way he does or if you need more time to get to know him you could communicate that to him 😊

[@mariadejesusrospide3857]

Yes please!!! I would like to know how much time should I make friends with a guy before taking the next step.

[@saras8825]

Also, there are amazing LDR groups on Facebook that are helpful in connecting with other couples going through the same thing(s) you are ⭐️

[@ashleygeorge5972]

Your videos have had such accurate timing with my life in the past six months lol. They’re always so helpful!!

[@cadencehogge8528]

Totally off topic but you would look amazing with bangs 😍

[@Jenabb27]

Love the tips! I know your situation was a bit different since you got to meet Daniel in person prior to discerning the long distance...but I'll ask anyway. Would you say then that patience and slowing down the pace of the "getting to know each other" stage during the pandemic is the best way to go? I just feel like it is the "indefinite" part of the wait to see each other in person for the first time that presents itself as a massive challenge. You don't want to start getting too emotionally attached before you get to meet in person and gauge the chemistry/attraction/compatibility IRL. Lol, I hope this makes sense!

[@elizabethwooters3553]

Allow yourself to learn new love languages. Be open to understanding how you can love differently and how you are being loved! I’m not a gift receiver, by my boyfriend (stationed in Korea) always sends little trinkets and tokens of his affection. I have to understand that to not get in a tizzy about feeling so unloved if my love language is physical touch!

[@Rachel21846]

Anyone have any tips or fun date ideas you can do over facetime? Me and my boyfriend love spending time together but its hard when there's not much to say because of the pandemic

[@forabetterrelationshipbetw1244]

You could choose a specific topic, research it and talk about it until the next week or date, you could play board games together, watch and (later) discuss a movie or book or buy ingredients for a dish you are curious about and cook together. You could also visit a virtual museum or exhibition online at the same time. It depends on your interests and the things you both like to share and enjoy.

[@laurashoemaker6108]

Read a book together! I’ve enjoyed taking turns reading chapters and having really interesting things to discuss. Just be mindful of both your interests in different genres and reading level when picking something. Also there are tons of great question books out there. Pick one and have fun answering! I really found that helpful in the beginning being LD from the start.

[@paulast2033]

I can't understand why my husband can't understand me 🤣