Dating Tips for a Long Distance Relationship
May 13, 2006
Long distance relationships have always been with us. However, in recent years, global online dating services and increased ease of travel helped make long distance relationships much more prevalent. In fact, according to dating experts on the topic, there are an estimated 1 to 2 million couples presently in long distance dating relationships.
Many single men and single women feel dating in a long distance relationship is a losing proposition. However, there many dating couples who have experienced tremendous romantic and successful long distance relationships. As a matter of fact, I currently have a friend who met a guy through an online Christian dating service, and they have been in a long distance relationship for the past two years. He lives in New Hampshire while she calls New Jersey her home. The great news here is that these Christian singles are getting married this June. 
Long Distance Relationship Keys
What was it that made my friend’s long distance relationship successful? After looking over much of the research on the subject and speaking with her, the following dating tips appear to be key:
- Before entering a long distance dating relationship, the couple should have a frank discussion on expectations for the relationship. Is there a possibility of this being a serious relationship culminating in marriage? Is there a possibility that one party will relocate? Don’t be afraid to bring up these topics now, because it could save you lots of stress, anxiety, confusion and conflict later.
- Set the ground rules of this long distance relationship together. That means communicating how often you will be meeting and contacting each other, and whether or not there will be dating of other people. One of the ground rules should also include the understanding that the dating couple will assess the long distance relationship at agreed upon intervals.
- Practice creative ways of sharing your heart with each other on a regular basis. Web cams, e-mail, telephone, text messages, digital cameras and snail mail, to name a few ways of keeping in touch, provide many romantic possibilities for keeping the long distance relationship healthy and fun. Enjoying regular communication also builds emotional and spiritual intimacy and trust.
- Pray daily for your long distance relationship and your dating partner. This is by far the most important thing you can do. Ask the Lord Jesus to mold you both into the people He wants you be, and surrender your long distance relationship to His will (Proverbs. 3:5-6). This will bring you great peace and assurance.
Overall, if you follow these dating tips, your long distance relationship will be a blessed and exciting experience even if the dating relationship ends.
Are you a single Christian who has been or is in a long distance relationship? Help others by sharing your long distant relationship experiences and insights.
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