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A long distance relationship asks a lot of you. When you live in different cities, staying connected takes purpose—especially during the days between visits. My boyfriend lives in San Francisco, and I live in Portland. Although we are lucky enough to see each other a few times a month, there are still long stretches where we live our daily lives in different places.
Over time, we’ve learned that getting close isn’t about doing something detailed. It’s about finding simple ways to be present in each other’s days.
A quick voice note on the way home. A shared playlist that keeps evolving. Planning the next visit before the end of the current one. These little habits make the distance manageable—and remind you that you’re building a life together, even if you’re apart.
Long Distance Relationship Ideas That Actually Help You Stay Connected
Although every relationship looks different, the goal is the same: to find ways to feel present in each other’s lives even when you are apart. Some are romantic, some are practical, and some are just plain fun. The best are the little rituals you return to again and again—the kind of rituals that make the time between visits feel a little easier.
The truth is, a long-distance relationship doesn’t have to feel like something you’re just going through until things change. With the right habits, it can deepen the connection, create anticipation, and make the time you spend together feel even more meaningful.
Ahead, you’ll find our favorite long-distance relationship ideas—from romantic surprises to cool-to-watch routines to modern tech-savvy routines that help you stay connected anywhere.
Daily Habits That Make Distance Easy
My boyfriend and I have picked up a few little habits that make being away easier. None of them are complicated, but they help us feel like we are sharing the everyday parts of life.
1. Post pictures of your day. A quick photo from a morning walk, a favorite coffee shop, or the local farmers market helps your partner feel included in your everyday life—even if you’re in different cities.
2. Keep a shared playlist. Start a playlist that you both add to over time. It becomes a soundtrack to your relationship and gives you something to listen to when you miss each other.
3. Plan the next visit before saying goodbye. Before one visit is over, put the next one on the calendar. Having something to look up to makes the time apart feel more manageable.
Long distance relationship ideas
4. Plan a surprise visit. If schedules allow, a surprise reunion can be one of the most memorable ways to reconnect.
5. Send something that brightens up their space. Flowers are classic, but a favorite candle or fresh bread from your favorite bakery can feel just as thoughtful.
6. Change your signature scent. Wearing or spraying your partner’s perfume can be a surprisingly comforting reminder of their presence.
7. Send a favorite book with notes inside. Send them a novel, a collection of poems, or a book of essays that you like—highlight the passages that remind you of them.
8. Write a handwritten letter. There is something special about receiving real mail that isn’t a bill (lol). A handwritten note immediately feels more personal than a text.
Relaxing Ways to Stay Connected Remotely
9. Share an end-of-day check-in call. Instead of texting all day, set aside time in the evening to talk about your highs and lows.
10. Go and talk. Call each other and go together. It almost feels like you’re exploring together.
11. Send a small “thinking of you” package. A favorite snack, a favorite book, or something that reminds you can make an ordinary week feel special.
12. Take a meditation or breathing class together. Apps like Headspace or Calm make it easy to share a relaxing ritual, even remotely.
Long distance dinner date ideas
13 Cook the same food together. Choose a recipe that you both enjoy and cook it while you video chat.
14. Send delivery to their favorite restaurant. Ordering dinner for your long-distance partner is an easy way to show you care.
15. Order the same purchase of coffee. Signing up for the same subscription makes it easy to enjoy something together each month.
16. Take a virtual cooking class together. Many chefs now offer online classes, making this a fun shared activity.
Thoughtful Actions That Show You Care
17. Give them a plant. A low-maintenance plant becomes a living reminder of your relationship.
18. Create a shared view list. Keep a running list of shows and movies you want to watch together so you always have something planned for your next movie night.
19. Plan your next trip together—even if it’s imaginary. Choose a location, research hotels, and create a shared list of places you want to try. Planning something together keeps the future feeling shared.
20. Stock their fridge before you go. If you’re visiting, leaving a few groceries is a fun and practical thing to do.
Fun Long Distance Activities to Do Together
21. Take a virtual fitness class together. From yoga to dance practice, traveling together (and apart) can be incredibly fun.
22. Start a book club for two. Choose a book each month and talk about it in your next video call.
23. Listen to the same podcast. Select a podcast series and discuss the episodes as you go.
24. Play an online game together. Whether it’s chess, Mario Kart, or a puzzle game, a little friendly competition keeps things light.
Tech-Friendly ideas for long-distance relationships
25. Keep a shared notes app. Use it to jot down ideas, future plans, or things you want to talk about later.
26. Send voice notes instead of texts. Hearing your partner’s voice—even for a moment—can make the distance feel smaller quickly.
27. Start a daily photo ritual. Post one photo of your day every evening. It’s an easy way to stay connected to each other’s habits.
Final thoughts
Long distance relationships are not always easy. There are missed dinners, quiet apartments, and many times when you wish you could reach the couch instead of across the screen. But distance also has a way of honing the essentials.
When you live in different places, communication becomes something you do on purpose. You learn to speak more clearly, plan time together thoughtfully, and appreciate ordinary moments you might take for granted.
My boyfriend and I are counting down the days until our next flight between PDX and SFO. But in the meantime, these little habits help us stay present in each other’s lives.
Because in the end, a long distance relationship is not about closing the miles between you. They are about continuing to choose each other, no matter where you are.
This post was last updated on March 18, 2026, to include new information.
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