Long Distance Relationship Boredom: How to Spice It Up Again

Has your long distance love lost its sizzle? If you’re in a long distance relationship boredom slump, these tips can help overcome the miles.

Long distance relationships can work. But they’re work. A lot of work. There’s a lot of negativity around the idea of a long distance relationship and those who hate it just don’t understand. I was in a four-year, long-distance relationship while living in Vancouver, Canada, and he lived in Europe. Yeah, now that’s some distance for ya.

It was hard, and it sucked when you’re fighting on Skype and it froze. So there you sit, angry in your chair until the camera unfreezes in order to start yelling again.

There is a lot of crap that goes with long distance relationships. However, there is so much more that overcomes the struggle of being together. Those that make it through the distance have passed the ultimate test: with blood, sweat, and tears.

How to spice up a long distance relationship

If you believe in the love you share with your partner, distance is a mere obstacle. Here is where the work comes in! These seven long distance relationship ideas can be used to show your love for them and keep the love strong.

#1 Surprise visit. Okay, this could be a bad idea, as I flashback to every 90’s chick flick. Make sure this isn’t a week long relationship, where you show up and see something you shouldn’t *flashback to Bring It On*. That being said, who doesn’t like a surprise? Especially when it’s their boyfriend or girlfriend showing up at their front door.

But, instead of the front door surprise idea, try showing up at the movie theater they’re at, or the restaurant they’re grabbing a bite to eat. Get creative with your surprise spot. [Read: 10 myths people believe about long distance relationships]

#2 Love letters. Some people consider this a lame idea, but that just means they’re not in tune with themselves. It’s easy to send a text or email, but it doesn’t have the personal flair a love letter brings. There’s nothing more romantic than seeing your lover’s handwriting in your mailbox.

Sure, still send texts for quick and cute messages. However, with a love letter, you have something to hold onto and look back at when you’re older. This long distance relationship idea isn’t just for those who want to break out the Shakespearian quotes, your letters can be full of jokes, pictures, daily life stuff. It doesn’t have to be serious. [Read: 10 most important tips to writing an amazing love letter]

#3 Naughty pictures. This is my favorite. You don’t have to send full-out nudes, send a picture of your collarbone, legs, lips—whatever their favorite part of you is. I’m not completely opposed to the idea of sending nudes, but I’m just saying, you don’t have to do that to get a reaction from your partner. Trust me, they’ll love whatever you send them.

If you trust your partner, then freely send your partner nudes. I haven’t taken that step yet, because I’m slightly paranoid about the internet.

If you’re slightly paranoid but want to send a picture, make an agreement with them to delete the pictures after you send them. Or, download an app which automatically deletes the image after they open it—thank goodness for technology.

Before sending them a picture of you, write them a flirty message saying, “Are you alone?” This gets them going, and trust me, they’ll make sure they’re alone within seconds. [Read: 10 naughty games for long distance relationships]

#4 Romantic dinner. Just because you’re not in the same place as them, doesn’t mean you guys can’t have dinner together. We’re in the age of the technology, people! Get your dinner on the stove, cook it up, and power on Skype. You don’t have to make this a daily event, but creating a date night allows you a great way to reconnect and share some quality time with your partner.

Just make sure you have a strong internet connection. I usually flew into a rage when my Skype froze during my date nights with my boyfriend. A great way to spend the night—staring at a semi-frozen screen. Date nights are a great opportunity to get yourself dressed up and share an intimate time with your partner over a bottle of wine. [Read: How to have steamy Skype sex with your lover]

#5 Care package. A care package doesn’t mean sending them diapers for the elderly. It’s more modern than that. I know shipping can be expensive, so, if you have the opportunity to spend a couple extra dollars on your partner, make them a care package.

It’s a great way to show them you’re thinking of them. My boyfriend didn’t send me a single thing, but let’s move on, I’m not bitter anymore.

Your care package can be full of fun and random things but also very useful. Don’t run to the dollar store and buy them a bunch of plastic trinkets that are only useful if being shoved in a piñata. If you remember them complaining about their hands being cold, send them a pair of gloves. It’s things like these that show you care and listen *insert melodramatic music here*. [Read: Long distance relationship gifts for the one you love]

#6 Create a blog together. Those who blog together, stay together, as they say. If you both have a flair for writing, why not create a blog together about your long distance relationship. This shows you a different side of your partner and what they’re feeling.

Not only that, why not connect with other people who are going through the same thing? This way, you’ll be able to not only bond with your partner, but perhaps help others who experience the same long distance relationship pain as you. Maybe you’ll even get a movie deal out of it… I know, I know, I’m getting a little ahead of myself. But… Hollywood. [Read: 10 survival tips for every long distance relationship]

#7 Don’t overdo it with communication. I know communication is absolutely essential for long distance relationships, but, there is something called excessive communication. Okay, I made up that phrase, but it happens.

If you’re Skyping every day, there will come a time where you run out of things to say, or feel the spark isn’t as strong as it once was. Talking everyday is completely fine, but long Skype sessions should be saved for your weekly date nights. [Read: 10 things you should never do in a long distance relationship]

I spoke to my boyfriend every day on Skype. We’d have hour long conversations, sometimes even two or three hours, but at one point, they dwindled down to fifteen minute conversations. It was too much. The guy knew when I peed and he wasn’t even on the same continent.

Space isn’t a bad thing, in fact, you’re in a long distance relationship so you actually know the benefits of personal space. So, keep the communication strong, but don’t suffocate your relationship.

[Read: Does absence make the heart grow fonder or wander?]

A long distance relationship doesn’t have to be a death knell for you and your partner. Try to spice it up and work hard to stay connected and avoid boredom.

The post Long Distance Relationship Boredom: How to Spice It Up Again is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.