In fact, when I tell people that my husband works away for half the year and people ask me how I do it! But I can confidently say that although it’s not easy, it totally works for us. Because really, every relationship has hard parts and being in the same location all the time also comes with challenges that aren’t as prominent for long-distance couples. With a lil’ bit of creativity and commitment (and a gadget or two) long distance partnerships can be incredibly rewarding. Finding ways to feel most connected, even when apart, can strengthen your bond and make the distance feel shorter.
Unique long-distance relationship activities
Whenever I would search ideas for long distance relationships, many articles say the same things and although some of the usual suspects also make this list, I’ve tried to include unique long-distance date night ideas too. Most of these are activities that we’ve actually tried and tested, resulting in some memorable moments together even when we’re living temporarily apart. Lock in a virtual movie night, pop some popcorn and you’ll forget you’re in different locations (well, maybe). My brother introduced us to JackBox Games which have so many games that had me in stitches when we played them – highly recommend! Video chats allow for non-verbal communication like body language and enhances communication between a couple. You could even go all out and make it easy special by dressing up, ordering some Uber Eats and making it (well, as much as you can) like a real date. Books are a great talking point and powerful for building imagination and anticipation. You could even get a bit saucy and throw some fantasy-smut like Fourth Wing in there (#iykyk). It could be something small like Uber Eats to their door, a book (for your book club!), or even a sweet LDR quote written in a text message. A small random act of kindness goes a long way in showing that you’re thinking of each other. Or if you have access to gym equipment you could even make the most of your nightly phone call and go for a stroll or run together while you chat. Working out together helps you to stay accountable and process the event’s of the day. There are some really fun versions out there perfect for virtual date nights like the Normal Sync Set cards – which give your more of a sensual edge to explore. Question prompt cards are helpful especially for long term relationships. when perhaps you feel like you already know everything there is to know about one another. Conversation starter cards will act to spark meaningful discussions and deepen your emotional connection, even across time zones.
What was your favourite show as a kid? Did you have a favourite book in childhood? What was your first ever CD/song purchase? What did you love the most about your childhood? What was your favourite dish/food from childhood? What movie could you watch over and over again? What was your bedroom like as a kid? Who was your first kiss? Which celebrity did you always have a crush on? What advice would you give your younger self?
Where is somewhere you’ve always wanted to travel? Do you see yourself ever changing careers? Where do you picture yourself settling down in the future? What are the things you most look forward to each day? What are your markers for defining a successful life? Is there any cause/organisation you’ve always wanted to volunteer with? If there were no risks or fears, what would you pursue in life? What do you want your life to be like five years from now? What would you do if you won a million dollars? What do you wish you had more time for?
What is your go-to karaoke song? What’s a question you’re dying to be asked? When do you think I look the sexiest? What’s something expensive that you think is worth every cent? What board game would you love to play together? Who would play us in a movie about our relationship? If you could have any super power, what would it be? Which cartoon character do you most identify with and why? What is something small that really makes your day?
How do I make you feel most loved? What do you most enjoy about being in a relationship? What’s your favourite trait of mine that you hope I never lose? Describe our perfect date When do you feel the most connected to me? What do you enjoy the most about our sex life? What is one of your favourite memories of us together? When was the last time you complimented me to someone else and what was it? What is something that instantly reminds you of me? What is something different you’d be keen to try in the bedroom together?
From deciding where you want to go, activities you want to do, and things you want to experience as a couple or family. Plus it gives you something amazing to look forward to, to get you through the more challenging times with your long-distance partner. Listen to your songs when you miss your partner or want to feel close to them. Song lyrics also make cute text messages to send to one another when you don’t necessarily have words but want to convey all the feels to your partner. There’s something incredibly romantic about receiving a handwritten letter from your significant other. Love letters always remind me of old-world romance stories (The Notebook anyone?). Sigh. Whether it’s a language, cooking, or a new hobby, learning something new together can be a fun bonding experience ad way to spend some quality time together. Our kids love our SkyLight Frame. They will literally park themselves in front of the frame to watch it flick through the album. It’s always fun to see what photos pop up on the frame and it’s a wonderful way for them to get a glimpse of where Dad works, too! It doesn’t have to be something too long, even 5 minutes together to centre yourselves in your day and help coregulate can be incredibly restorative. You could even choose something special for each other and then feel all warm and fuzzy when you enjoy them together next time IRL. Book in a video date with some art supplies like paper or a canvas and paints. Make sure your partner can’t see you work in progress and then unveil your masterpiece to each other at the end. LOL’s guaranteed. I’m still trying to get my hubby on the Words With Friends bandwagon… watch this space. Writing a list of things you hope to accomplish together in life can initiate new conversations and help connect you on an even deeper level. I love listening to podcasts when I’m preparing dinner or folding the laundry. They help me feel less alone in the day-to-day of raising kids and give us lots to talk about when there isn’t often much new to discuss. We both really enjoy true crime series like Who The Hell is Hamish and Serial. My husband has totally shocked me me a couple of times coming home when I didn’t expect it, and it’s just the BEST. Many mining companies also allow families site visits at certain times of the year. Get in touch with your employer to find out if you can make it happen. Take it in turns to choose a recipe, take a trip to the grocery store to pick up your ingredients and then hop on a video call, pour a wine and cook together. The upside to this is that you can then sit down to enjoy your meal together – awwww. Take a tour together, listen to live music, ride a rollercoaster or try a number of fun activities available through the world of virtual reality. Bubble baths are incredibly relaxing and adding soothing elements like Epsom Salts boosts the healing benefits of soaking in the tub. A nice, warm bath can help ease stress and calm your nervous system. Being in a long distance relationship can be a source of said stress- so why not de-stress with your far away significant other? I love using the Voxer App – which is like a walkie talkie for voice messaging and texting. This means you can listen in real time as someone records a voice memo or press play later on when it suits (and on repeat too!) The premise for the game is that you anonymously submit a song to tie into the theme of each round. The app links to your Spotify to create a playlist from all submissions and you get to vote for your favourite songs or the ones than nail the theme brief. You can also set up rules for each league – like the ability to also place down votes on deserving songs. Create your own league to get in on the fun with your friends and fam or choose to join a public league together instead. There are some awesome flower delivery businesses that offer same day delivery too. Perth peeps – check out Blomster and Baker or The Flower Run. If you’re yet to invest in some sexy ‘equipment’ for your ldr, it’s time to get on board! There are a huge range of adult toys and vibrators (for all genders too!) that can be controlled remotely by your partner when they’re away. This is something that not only helps you connect on a sensual level but brings a bit of fun back into your physical relationship even when you might be in different time zones! Get your daily LOL with a meme to sum up how your day is going. If you wanted to flex your creativity you can customise your own memes. Online platforms like Canva or a meme generator make this super easy. Unleash your inner comedian and let the good times roll! Making a shared vision board works brilliantly in conjunction with defining your relationship bucket list and helps in manifesting your couple- centred goals. You can include smaller, short term goals as well as more lofty, long term visions for your love story. A shared board using an online platform like Pinterest makes this easy to coordinate from a distance. Or upload pictures into a shared online folder to turn into a physical poster or screensaver for your laptop. Placing your vision board somewhere that you’ll see it most often helps to consciously and subconsciously reinforce what you are aspiring to achieve, together. You could order one each or set things up so your partner can take it with them when you next part. If you find a drop that you love, it would also make a sentimental gift to create future special moments, too. Crosswords are actually so good for working out ‘brain muscles’ – enhancing vocabulary, and improving problem-solving skills by challenging memory and critical thinking. Add your personal touch by creating a crossword for your partner to enjoy. This is made easy with online programs like Crossword Labs. Design your own clues and watch as it generates your very own personalised crossword puzzle. Depending on where your partner is working, some activities may not be suitable—like enjoying a virtual toast with wine tasting if they’re at a dry site… Sometimes you just have to think outside the box to make it work. In any case, I hope this list has provided you with a some inspo to try something new next time your partner is away! Whether you’re planning a long-distance date night or exploring unique ways to stay close, these long-distance relationship activities can help you feel close even when physical distance is keeping you apart. If you are in a FIFO or long-distance relationship, what are your go-to long distance date ideas? Let me know in the comments below. Bonus points if it’s something that isn’t on the list!
