Surviving a long-distance Relationship: A Guide For Men

If you are in a long-distance relationship, then I probably shouldn’t tell you that more than 35% of them fail. Yikes, right? Not really, though. There are a lot more statistics that should give you courage about your chances.

More than that, statistics should never define how your long-distance relationship turns out. So, if this is your first time in such a relationship, take a breather and focus less on the numbers. Getting caught up in the statistics is one way to lose before you can win. 

As a man, you are going to experience the ups and downs of long-distance relationships. You’re going to wonder if she’s talking to anyone else, ask yourself why she takes so long to call back, and wish one of you would finally move closer so you can end the whole thing.

It’s true that relationships over distance are not easy. So, is there a secret to getting from phone calls to living in the same house? 

You might say there are a few things you could do differently to improve your chances. I’ll share them in this article a little further down. But first, what makes these relationships hard?

Why Are Long-Distance Relationships Hard For Men?

There are a bunch of reasons why a long-distance relationship can be tough, especially for us guys. Let’s break it down, shall we?

First off, men are often wired to be doers. They like to fix things, solve problems, and take action. But when they are miles apart from their partners, it’s not that simple. They can’t just show up with a hug or fix things with a surprise date night. The physical distance can make them feel a bit helpless because their usual ways of showing love and support are limited.

Another huge thing is communication. Sure, we have texts, video calls, and social media, but let’s be real: it’s not the same as face-to-face talks. Misunderstandings can happen more easily when you’re not seeing each other in person. You miss out on those non-verbal cues – the smiles, the eye contact, the little touches. These things play a huge part in how men connect with their partners.

Then there’s the trust factor. Nobody wants to bring it up, but it’s there. Trust is vital in any relationship, but in a long-distance relationship, it takes on a whole new level of importance. When you can’t see what your partner is up to, it can be easy to let doubt sneak in. It’s not about being suspicious, but sometimes, a man’s mind wanders, and he starts imagining scenarios that aren’t even true.

Loneliness is another hurdle. Even if you’re a guy who enjoys his alone time, being apart from someone you care about can get lonely. Just like women, men miss the shared experiences, the little moments, and the comfort of having someone there, physically, in daily life. Loneliness can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration or sadness.

Let’s not forget about societal expectations, either. Sometimes, men feel like they need to be the strong, silent type. Talking about feelings isn’t always encouraged, but in a long-distance relationship, opening up about what you’re going through is important. Bottling things up can lead to resentment and strain the relationship even more.

So, why are long-distance relationships hard for men? It’s a mix of feeling helpless, communication barriers, trust issues, loneliness, societal pressures, and missing closeness. But don’t worry; knowing these challenges is the first step in overcoming them. 

7 Mindful Tips To Make A Long-Distance Relationship Work

Speak About Your Feelings

Most guys aren’t able to express their feelings fully, and distance makes it worse. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try. If you are in a relationship, you should at least put in the effort.

Talk to your partner about how you feel. Comfort them, make sure they don’t feel alone. Make them feel loved either through your words or through your actions.

Share what you are feeling, and ask her to share, too. Speaking about your feelings deepens the connection and makes the distance a little blurrier. 

Make Sure You Have Something To Look Forward To Together

One of the best ways to keep a long-distance relationship exciting is to plan something to look forward to. You will focus a lot of the time you are apart, so it helps to have something to look forward to.

Whether it’s a holiday visit, a special date night over video call, or even planning a future trip together, having something on the horizon can make the distance feel more bearable.

It gives you both a goal and something positive to anticipate. These plans don’t have to be grand or expensive.

Sometimes, just knowing you’ll binge-watch a favorite show together over the weekend can be enough. The goal here is to create experiences to bring you closer and keep the excitement alive.

Make Time For Communication: Check-In Daily

Communication is the lifeline of any relationship. So, make it a habit to check in daily, even if it’s just a quick text or a brief call.

Regular communication helps you stay connected and involved in each other’s lives. It shows that you’re thinking about them and that they matter to you.

Set a routine that works for both of you—maybe a morning text or an evening call. Consistency can provide some normalcy and stability. Remember, it’s not about the number of communication but the quality. Make those moments count by being present and genuinely interested in what your partner has to say.

Let Her Live And Be Slow To Judge

In a long-distance relationship, it’s important to give each other space to live your own lives. Trust is the foundation here. Let her go out with friends, enjoy her hobbies, and have her own experiences.

Avoid jumping to conclusions or getting jealous quickly. Remember, just because you’re apart doesn’t mean you need to control each other’s every move.

So, no matter how good a time she had with her friends, don’t google the people she was with. Being slow to judge shows maturity and builds trust. If something bothers you, talk about it calmly and openly. 

It helps both of you feel respected and understood, which is essential for keeping the relationship healthy and strong.

Take Trips Together

Planning trips together is a fantastic way to make your long-distance relationship more enjoyable. These trips don’t just give you a chance to see each other but also create new, shared memories.

Whether it’s visiting each other’s hometowns or exploring a new place together, these adventures can strengthen your bond.

They give you both something exciting to look forward to and break the routine of being apart. Make the most of these visits by doing fun activities, taking photos, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

These moments will help sustain you through the times when you’re separated.

Plan For The Future

Let’s be real; long-distance relationships will not last forever. Having a plan for the future is essential in a long-distance relationship. It gives both of you a sense of direction and purpose.

Talk about your goals and dreams, and see how they align. Are you planning to live in the same city someday? What steps do you need to take to make that happen?

Knowing that there’s an end goal can make the distance feel less scary. It helps to reassure both of you that the relationship is moving forward.

The plans don’t have to be set in stone, but having a shared vision can keep you motivated and concentrated on the bigger picture.

Appreciate Your Relationship Despite the Distance 

It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of a long-distance relationship, but don’t forget to appreciate what you have.

The distance can actually strengthen your connection by teaching you to communicate better and value your time together.

Celebrate the small victories, like a great conversation or a fun virtual date. Remind yourself why you’re in the relationship and what makes it special.

Focus on the positives, like having someone who loves and supports you, even from afar. By appreciating the relationship, you’ll find more joy and satisfaction, making the distance a little easier to bear.

Distance is Just That

Surviving a long-distance relationship might seem hard, but with the right mindset and strategies, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

By speaking openly about your feelings, planning exciting trips together, and making time for daily communication, you can keep a strong connection despite the miles between you.

Remember to give each other space and be slow to judge, as trust is important. Having future plans provides direction and hope while appreciating the unique aspects of your relationship keeps the love alive.

In addition, always face challenges together. Embrace the journey, stay positive, and know that space is just a test of how far love can travel. With these mindful tips, your long-distance relationship can not only survive but thrive.