Five Pieces of Advice for Couples in Medium-Distance Relationships

Recently I wrote about the lack of online resources for couples in medium-distance relationships. I defined a medium-distance relationship as a relationship in which the two individuals are separated by a drive that takes more than 45 minutes to an hour, but takes less than a total of three hours. I noted that in a medium-distance relationship, spontaneous or unplanned visits are possible, but not ideal, and also that it isn't feasible for the two partners to see each other on a very frequent basis. These are the basics of medium-distance relationships. However, there are very few resources for these couples. In this article, it is my intention to provide some advice for couples in medium-distance relationships based on my own experience.

Medium-Distance Relationship Tip #1 - Communicate Your Needs
The keys to any relationship are trust and communication. Communication is even more important in a medium-distance relationship because a lot of negotiation is necessary. For example, you and your significant other may have to work around work schedules, familial obligations, and other time commitments.

Medium-Distance Relationship Tip #2 - Make Time Together Meaningful and Memorable
Because couples that are in medium-distance relationships have limited time together, this time is best used to do things that are meaningful and memorable to both individuals. The terms meaningful and memorable are subjective, so activities that are interesting to one couple may not be interesting to another. It's nice to vary activities and take advantage of seasonal activities. It is best for medium-distance couples to plan activities in advance so as to avoid fallbacks such as watching television or going to the mall. Meaningful and memorable experiences will help couples in a medium-distance relationship grow closer and remain passionate.

Medium-Distance Relationship Tip #3 - Communicate Frequently (But Not Too Much)
In any relationship, it's important to stay in touch. In a medium-distance relationship, a couple must decide how frequently to talk and for how long. It may be best for a couple in a medium-distance relationship to be moderate with regard to these quantities. For example, if you talk on a nightly basis, you might want to limit conversation length to half an hour. If you talk twice a week, then you could perhaps dedicate an hour or more to each conversation. Remember, don't talk just to fill time. It's not fair to your partner and you shouldn't try to force aspects of your relationship, even conversation. You will be able to spend time together on some regular basis.

Medium-Distance Relationship Tip #4 - Plan Visits in Advance
It's much easier for medium-distance couples to visit one another if visits are planned well in advance. Granted, this might not always be possible, but it is helpful so that other plans don't come in the way of couples seeing one another. Likewise, if a visit requires a drive of two or three hours, it's best to know at least a few days in advance.

Medium-Distance Relationship Tip #5 - Focus on the Positive
Being in a medium-distance relationship can be difficult. It's hard to know that you could see your significant other on a frequent basis except for the time commitment. However, being in a medium-distance relationship is not the worst of all possibilities, and there is still much to be positive about. Focus on the good aspects of your relationship and your time together, and you'll be more likely to make the relationship work.

Medium-distance relationships can be difficult, but a good relationship is worth it. Do what is necessary to make your medium-distance relationship work. If you have any other advice for couples in medium-distance relationships, feel free to share your thoughts in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!