Maintaining your relationship over long distances can be complicated, as communication becomes more perplexing, and misunderstandings can arise. And those can be even more difficult to overcome – when the two of you are not physically together.
But this doesn’t mean that your relationship is doomed. Conversely, you don’t have to give it all up and throw in the towel. You can still make it work and resolve any conflict that may arise, regardless of the distance between you.
Below, we’ll take a look at some strategies for resolving conflicts in your long-distance relationship. If you have found yourself in a difficult situation, these tips can help you work through it.
Talk Openly and Honestly
Communication is essential in any relationship, especially when you’re far away from each other. You need to make sure that you’re both open and honest with one another, especially when it comes to discussing any conflicts or issues in your relationship.
When communicating, don’t focus too much on the problem itself but instead focus more on how it makes you feel. Talk about why the particular issue bothers you so much and express those feelings in a calm manner without getting angry or defensive. This will help ensure that your conversations remain productive and will lead to better understanding between the two of you.
Of course, effective communication must be a two-way street, so make sure you’re listening to your partner and understanding their perspective as well. Being away from each other will also give you the time needed to think over any arguments or points of disagreement before you speak.
Compromise and Negotiate Solutions
One way to resolve conflicts in your long-distance relationship is through compromise and negotiation. This means both of you should be willing to make some concessions in order to reach a solution that works for both parties.
To make a rather outlandish example: if you feel that your long-distance relationship puts your sex life on the backburner, you could negotiate with your partner to use video chat services or phone sex to keep the spark alive. Maybe getting some toys or a real-life sex doll could help to make the situation more enjoyable for both of you.
No matter what the resolution is, it is vital that both of you feel that you have been heard and that the outcome is fair. Compromising and negotiating can be a difficult process, but it is an essential part of resolving conflicts.
Take Time for Yourself
It is easy to get caught up in the stress and drama of a long-distance relationship. So in order to remain healthy and happy, it is important to take time for yourself to relax and reflect or engage in activities that make you feel good.
Step away from the situation for a bit and take some time for yourself. This way, you can come back to your relationship with a fresh perspective and be better prepared to handle anything that may arise.
In the end, you need to remember that your relationship is a two-way street. Both of you need to be willing to put in the effort to make it work, no matter how far away you may be from each you are – and that also means giving yourself some time to recharge and relax.
Use Positive Language
This is another universal relationship advice that is even more substantial in long-distance ones. Using positive language is the key to maintaining a healthy and strong bond with your partner, regardless of the distance between you. What’s more, it helps you avoid blaming and criticizing each other.
Be mindful of the words you use when discussing any issues in your relationship. Try to focus on the positives, such as what you appreciate about your partner and how much you care for them. As a result, you’ll be able to foster an environment of understanding and open communication.
Seek Professional Help
If you find yourself struggling to effectively resolve any conflicts in your long-distance relationship, you may want to seek the professional help of a counselor or therapist. They can provide an unbiased perspective and help you both identify the root of the problem and find effective solutions specific to your situation.
It also wouldn’t hurt to have a neutral third party to mediate your conversations, as they will be able to keep things from escalating and ensure that you both have a chance to express yourselves. It should be noted that many relationship therapists now offer online sessions, which can make it convenient for both of you.
Yet, relationship counselling is still frowned upon by some people, which is why you should discuss it with your partner first and make sure that they are comfortable with the idea. If they are not, then you can consider other forms of help, such as online forums or support groups.
Final Thoughts
Turning to a long-distance relationship can be very challenging – you miss out on the physical connection, your conversations are more difficult to maintain, and misunderstandings can arise from time to time.
But this doesn’t mean that your relationship is doomed or that it’s impossible to resolve conflicts. With the right strategies, you can still make it work.
By communicating openly and honestly, compromising and negotiating solutions, taking time for yourself, using positive language, and seeking professional help, you can keep your long-distance relationship strong and healthy.
