How to Have a Long Distance Christian Relationship



Relationships are difficult, and long-distance relationships have their own special challenges. But with the extra effort, Christians get a great return by building a solid foundation of friendship, trust, creativity, and romance for a relationship.

Things You'll Need

· Telephone

· Computer with Internet Access

· Friends/Family


Step 1:

Define the purpose of the relationship. A long distance relationship is a lot of work, and it is easy to make assumptions without face to face time. Both halves of the relationship must agree on the purpose of the relationship. A relationship that starts out with a lot of honesty has a much better chance of surviving, thriving, and creating many opportunities for romance.

Step 2:

Decide on limits. This means physical relationship limits are set in place to honor and respect each other. Emotional attachment and involvement will grow with the relationship. At the beginning, it's good to have a few guidelines in place like, "We will not talk for more than 5 hours straight." That may sound extreme, but when the only communication is over a long distance, it is easy to become immersed in it because there is no face-to-face time. Guidelines help keep the relationship in perspective.


Step 3:

Get a couple of friends or family members to enforce accountability. Share with them the limits that are set in place and agree on a way to be held accountable.


Step 4:

Set up some different means of communication like email, phone, IM, webcam, Skype, messenger pigeon. Don't let all this communication interfere with work or other family obligations. It's easy to be consumed with a relationship whether it is long distance or not.


Step 5:

Send each other good old fashioned letters, surprises or treats. Get your best friends to help out on special days, maybe delivering a surprise package, balloons or fresh flowers. Don't forget to thank your friends and be ready to return the favor for them.


Step 6:

Cultivate common interests and activities even over the distance. Use digital cameras, a webcam, blogs, and other media to share projects and include each other, friends and family members. Build a website together, or make videos of a typical day for each other. Take a class online together, or send each other snapshots of places and people around you.


Step 7:

Get answers to the important questions. Make sure that, during all those phone calls and instant message chats, Important stuff is discussed. Make a list or choose a subject and talk it out.



Step 8:

Have an official date once a week or more. This may be an extended phone conversation, video (webcam) call, or go to the same movie and then call each other afterward and talk about it.


Step 9:

Take turns visiting each other. It's costly to travel, so take turns. He comes to see her for one weekend. A few weeks later she comes to see him. Set up a place to stay for each other, preferably with friends or family members so no hotel expenses are involved. Spend the time together and not on things you can do while apart. Don't waste your together time on a movie. Balance those weekend with some time spent in private one-on-one conversation and some time spent with friends and family. It's important to see each other interact around other people.


Step 10:

Don't waste each other's time. This principle is true in every relationship, but especially so in long distance relationships. They are a lot more work and cost. So be kind to each other. If it's not working, don't drag things out painfully. If it is working, be honest and open with each other about where the relationship is going and the kind of time frame you're working with. Long distance relationships require more planning, so it is important to know how to plan.


Step 11:

Finally, enjoy the thrill and romance of the long distance relationship. It's painful and annoying sometimes, but it's also romantic. Savor the time together. There's a reason they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder.


http://targetdex..com/2015/01/long-distance-christian-relationship.html