Have you met someone amazing who lives far away? Are you wondering if you should commit to a long distance relationship (LDR)? This Question of The Day was recently put to our Boo community, and has over 2700 responses! Clearly this is a topic that touches a lot of souls looking for genuine connections.

Many caring couples make it work despite the miles between them. This guide shares tips on building trust, communicating openly, and making an LDR thrive. In this article, you'll learn practical advice for nurturing intimacy, supporting each other's growth, and strengthening your bond despite the distance – both from Boo’s perspective, and with thoughtful insights from our wonderful community. With effort and faith, long distance love can blossom into an amazing lifelong partnership.

Nurturing Emotional Intimacy from Afar

Emotional intimacy is vital for a fulfilling LDR. Here are some ways to stay intimately connected across the miles:

Make quality time a priority

Set aside uninterrupted 1-on-1 time to talk openly, be fully present, and nurture your connection. Regular video chat dates are key so you can see facial expressions, pick up on body language cues, and feel closer together even when physically apart. During visits, be intentional about spending meaningful time focused on each other without distractions. This quality time deepens emotional closeness.

Share your inner worlds

Have regular deep conversations where you open up about your hopes, dreams, fears and innermost thoughts. Listen attentively when your partner is being vulnerable and share your own feelings freely. Provide comfort and support during difficult times. This builds trust and understanding. Send each other thoughtful gifts and handwritten love letters to read when you miss each other.

Thoughtful gestures matter

The little things matter a lot in a LDR. Surprise your partner with care packages containing their favorite treats and other personalized gifts that show how well you know them. Handwrite meaningful love letters for them to read when you're apart about how much they mean to you. These thoughtful gestures reinforce your love and deepen emotional closeness.

Fostering Open Communication from Afar

Distance makes open communication extra vital. Set healthy patterns early in your LDR with these tips:

Make regular check-ins a habit

Check-in daily, even briefly, to show you care and are thinking of them. Have weekly deeper check-ins as well where you devote quality time to sharing feelings, highlights from your week, and addressing any issues. This consistent communication nurtures intimacy.

Discuss needs and boundaries

Have open discussions about your relationship priorities, values and ground rules so you're aligned. Agree on what behaviors would hurt trust, like cheating. Ensure you see eye-to-eye on big issues like commitment level, plans for the future, and boundaries. This shared understanding provides a solid foundation.

Approach issues lovingly

When conflicts inevitably arise, first reflect on your own role in the issue, then have a calm, loving discussion where you seek understanding. Listen to your partner's perspective fully. Frame problems as something you tackle together versus against each other. This prevents small issues from ballooning.

While you can't always be together physically, you can nurture intimate connection creatively:

Use technology to your advantage

Take advantage of technology for intimacy when apart. Sexting, steamy video chats and photos can build anticipation for your next visit. Remote controlled apps allow you to connect physically from afar. Watch movies, play games or listen to music together during virtual dates. Making use of technology helps nurture physical closeness when you can't touch.

Incorporate toys

Use toys together during video dates to increase pleasure and feel closer. Surprise each other by ordering new toys and intimate gifts to each other's doors. Exploring new sources of intimacy keeps your physical connection vibrant.

Prioritize physical connection during visits

When you are together in person, make physical intimacy through sex, affectionate touch, and physical closeness a priority. Plan romantic date nights focused on quality time as a couple. Discuss any fantasies you want to explore in person and make them happen. Savor these opportunities to be together.

Supporting Each Other's Growth and Goals

In a LDR, supporting your partner's growth and goals bolsters you as a couple:

Encourage each other's goals and dreams

Ask your partner about their career and life goals, then take action to actively support them. Research ideas and opportunities that could help them pursue their dreams. Celebrate milestones and wins in their life. Cheer each other on as you grow.

Share your own growth

Keep your partner included in your life by telling stories, sharing photos, and discussing your activities. Open up about your own goals and progress, and ask for their support. Sharing your worlds, even from afar, nurtures intimacy.

Make quality time fun and uplifting

Have regular virtual dates where you do fun activities together like watching shows, playing games or cooking the same recipe. When visiting, plan creative activities you'll both enjoy like hiking, crafting, visiting a museum. Making your limited time together positive and uplifting strengthens your connection.

Attitudes for Success

To thrive across the miles, cultivate these mindsets:

• Full commitment: Entering half-heartedly because of distance breeds failure. Wholehearted commitment is essential upfront.
• Consistent effort: You both must prioritize the relationship every single day to keep the flame alive from afar. Expect to work hard.
• Deep communication: Don't let yourselves become strangers. Talk frequently, not just logistics but your feelings, hopes and fears.
• Complete trust: Assume the best of your partner. Don't let doubt and jealousy corrode your faith in each other.
• Shared purpose: Revisit your shared vision of a life together. This deeper sense of purpose nourishes you during tough times.
• Gratitude: When you feel resentful, rekindle your gratitude for having this partner at all, even from afar.

FAQs about Long Distance Relationships

How can we maintain emotional intimacy when we're apart?

Emotional intimacy is key for a fulfilling LDR. Schedule regular video chat dates for quality 1-on-1 time focused on open conversation. Send thoughtful little gifts and handwritten letters to show you're thinking of them when apart. During visits, be fully present with no distractions. Have frequent deep conversations to foster trust and understanding. This emotional closeness sustains you when physically distant.

What boundaries should we set for a healthy LDR?

Have open discussions about your shared values, priorities and ground rules so you're aligned. Agree on what behaviors would violate trust like cheating. Ensure you see eye-to-eye on big issues like commitment level and the future. Set expectations like regular check-ins to share feelings and address issues early. Mutual understanding provides a solid foundation.

How can we nurture trust in a long distance relationship?

Building trust takes continuous effort. Be reliable in communication - respond promptly and inform your partner if you'll be unavailable. Follow through consistently on commitments big and small. Share your life openly through stories and photos. Understand each other's love languages and communicate love accordingly. Consistent effort nurtures trust.

How do we maintain a great sex life despite the distance?

Get creative in using technology for intimacy like steamy video chats, sexting, remote controlled toys and apps. Surprise each other with intimate gifts. During visits, prioritize intimate time like romantic date nights and exploring fantasies. Don't neglect emotional intimacy either - deep convos also nurture desire. With creativity, you can nurture an amazing sex life.

How can we make a long distance relationship work long term?

The key is nurturing emotional closeness and a shared vision of the future. Commit to regular visits and plans to ultimately close the gap. Support each other's goals so you both flourish. Share future dreams and milestones. Continue dating by cherishing each other through thoughtful gestures. Nurture trust and communication. With mutual effort, a LDR can thrive long term.

In Summary: Embracing Long Distance Love

When we find a truly special connection, we should not let logistics keep us from embracing love. With maturity, effort, and devoted intention, a long distance relationship can not only survive but thrive.

Commit fully and work hard to bridge the gap through deep communication, creativity and trust. Nurture intimacy across the miles. Share your inner worlds. Reassure each other often. Have faith in your future reunion. Follow your hearts.

If geography separates you from someone you cherish, take comfort that distance need not equal disconnection. With hope, humor and vulnerability, build a lasting foundation. The rewards blossom over time. No journey traveled with a beloved partner is ever wasted.