One of the most exciting times of any long distance relationship ( ldr ) is when the two of you can manage to meet up in person. For many long distance couples, meeting up can be difficult, especially when trying to figure out where and when you should meet your long distance partner for the first time.

Let us take a look at how to meet up with your long distance partner, where to meet them, and when to meet them. We’ll also offer some advice on ways you can make the most of the time you have with your long distance partner when you do get the opportunity to meet up in person.

Where, When, and How to Meet Up With Your Long Distance Partner

When it comes to the specifics of meeting up in regards to a long distance relationship, your individual situation will determine where, when, and how you will be able to meet up. Describing your relationship can be somewhat subjective. One couple may see being separated by a few hours’ drive constitutes a long distance relationship while another couple may find themselves separated by a long haul flight.

When it comes to choosing a place to meet up, living arrangements may dictate whose home will make for a better fit. One partner may be living with roommates while another owns a home all to his or herself. This may work better for privacy, especially when you are looking to physically and sexually reconnect after being separated for a long period of time.

In cases where children from a previous relationship are involved, a person may not be ready to introduce their partner to their kids and may wish to travel somewhere where they can be alone with their long distance partner. So long as the children are of age to look after themselves or are left with a responsible caretaker such as a family member, you should not feel guilty for leaving your kids for short periods of time to pursue a promising relationship. However, it may be a good idea to explain the situation to your children so that they understand what is going on and make an effort to answer any questions they may have.

If the distance is quite large between you as it was in our own personal U.S.-Australia relationship, it may be more economical and quicker to pick a destination in-between where you both live. We found ourselves meeting up a lot in European countries like France, England, and Scotland. Not only were flights quicker and cheaper, but it added a sense of adventure and excitement to our get-togethers. Choosing a city, state, or country in the middle of the distance that separates you not only provides a neutral zone where neither partner has a home field advantage so to speak, but can also fuel the romance. If you find your employment leave is somewhat restrictive, this can also be a good way to kill two birds with one stone, where you can enjoy a vacation while also meeting your long distance partner.

Wherever you decide to meet up, it is important to choose a time which works best for both of you. Choosing to meet up at an inopportune time can easily cause stress which could prove to be more damaging than beneficial to your long distance relationship. Examples of inopportune times may be a family event you would have to miss in order to meet up or you may have major university papers due. Choose a period which will allow you to maximize your time together where you won’t need to worry about important work or school related issues.

If you can strategically plan your meet-ups to coincide with special occasions such as birthdays or holidays, this can make your meetings extra special. You should not, however, feel disappointment or resentment towards your partner if they cannot make such a meeting possible. Long distance relationships are a lot less flexible meaning you both need to be more understanding and forgiving.

While meeting each other in neutral destinations can add to the romance and excitement, it is important at some point to visit each other in your respective home towns so you can  see how each other acts in their everyday environment. Some people may find it intimidating or a bit uncomfortable to travel to where their partner lives and therefore should be given an equal chance to be the one that feels at home. Always meeting up in an exotic destination can be romantic and exciting but you have to realize that this isn’t real life. Seeing each other in your real life worlds will allow you to see what each other’s lives are really like.

Ways to Make the Most of the Time You Do Have Together

When you’re in a long distance relationship, the time you spend together is often quite short. It is therefore essential to make the most of your meetings and really focus on making sure that the time you do spend together is quality. The more quality time you spend together will go a long way to building intimacy, opening communication, and strengthening your bond.

One of the secrets to spending quality time together is by scheduling time alone together. If your partner is flying over to visit you at home, you can of course introduce them to your family and friends, but make sure you have time together outside of group situations. Consider eating in instead of going out for dinner with a group of friends or look at booking a local hotel instead of staying at home in cases where you may be living with parents or roommates. Make sure you really make your time together count.

The next secret to spending quality time together is turning off your devices. Nothing ruins the romance more than one or both of you constantly distracted by your phone. Distractions like this often have a way of interrupting your conversations and hindering your ability to communicate. If you’re constantly checking your phone, it can make the other person feel as though you’re not interested in seeing or spending time with them. Limit the amount of time you spend checking up on social media updates while you are both spending time together. There is rarely a case where something is so urgent that it can’t wait.

Durex condoms ran an interesting campaign recently where they flew ten couples out to Sri Lanka for a luxury vacation. Five couples had all electronic devices taken off them and were forced to disconnect. The other five couples got to keep their electronics. The couples were analyzed during their trip and it was found that the couples who had surrendered their devices were happier with their vacation, felt more connected at the end of it, and were found to have more sex!

 

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“The Ultimate How To Guide on Surviving Long Distance Love”