It’s been more than a year since we were struck by the Covid-19 wave and ever since then, we’ve been living a life, unlike the one we were used to.
The corona-blues are really hitting hard as we continue to be stuck in this pandemic. Relationships have been hit hard too, especially those who are in long-distance relationships in Malaysia.
Long-distance relationships are hard enough but when you add on travel restrictions and health concerns, it can all seem like too much.
Whether your bae is just right across the state (because travelling across states/districts is still prohibited in Malaysia) or you’re separated by a giant ocean, the uncertainty of when you can finally meet is a real struggle shared by many long-distance couples.
But maintaining and even excelling at long-distance relationships is totally possible and we are here to help you.
Here are some things you can do to make long-distance relationships work during Covid.
Activities/Things To Do When You Are In A Long-Distance Relationship in Malaysia
1. Plan creative dates
There is nothing quite as fun as going on dates to new places and trying new things with your partner.
And being in a long-distance relationship doesn’t have to change that.
Get creative — there are tons of fun stuff you can do virtually such as co-op games, museum tours, escape rooms and even board games. Virtual tours can help you get out of Malaysia, even if it’s just for a while.
Or you can create themed dates where you get Japanese food or Mexican food and video call each other while you eat. There are lots of things you can do in a long-distance relationship — keep exploring and use this opportunity to get to know each other better.
Here is another list of virtual date ideas you can refer to and try with your boo!
2. Create a relationship bucket list
Did you know that just the act of planning your next adventure can make you feel happy and even improve your mental health? Yes, there is research to back this up.
While you’re stuck in this long-distance relationship, why not start a relationship bucket list with your partner?
It’s okay if you’re not sure when you could meet up or when you can start travelling again. The act of planning and anticipating is good enough to get you through this tough time.
Your bucket list doesn’t have to be filled with long-term goals; it can be simple activities such as going to a rave together or completing a 5K together.
3. Have “your” show
Credit: Ilse Weisfelt
You could gossip about Love Island or rewatch How I Met Your Mother for the zillionth time — whatever it is, make a weekly date to watch it together.
Or you could explore new shows like baking shows or true crime documentaries. Watching a show or a movie together provides a shared experience that helps you bond during a long-distance relationship.
You can try out Teleparty (used to be Netflix Party) or other apps that let you watch shows online even though you’re miles apart.
4. Swap belongings
When you are in a long-distance relationship, missing your partner is almost like a form of torture. To make it easier to cope, you can exchange physical items such as a sweatshirt you can both wear and send back and forth, or a soft toy that reminds you of each other.
The goal is to experience sharing each other’s things as if you are near each other. Doing this can improve your relationship and help you get through the distance together.
Tip: Spray your favourite perfume on the sweatshirt or the soft toy so that they remember how you smell. Sending gifts along with the items is not a bad idea either.
5. Talk dirty with each other
With physical intimacy out of the door, you will need to find other ways to keep the passion alive in a long-distance relationship.
Technology has advanced significantly and we should be grateful that we are living in this era. With the help of video calls and couple sex toys, you can still keep the fire burning between you and your sweetheart.
If you are feeling a little shy, here’s a little advice. You can start small by talking dirty with each other through text messages or sending each other sexy pictures of yourselves.
How To Survive Long Distance Relationships
1. Prioritize your schedules well
Different work or school schedules, sleep habits, and time zones may all make it difficult for even the most well-intentioned couples to find time to communicate with one another.
When are you at your best? Who has a more flexible schedule? Who should initiate the contact? These are some of the things to consider when finding an arrangement that is mutually satisfying.
It is important to figure out how and when to communicate in a long-distance relationship so that resentment and irritation don’t build up when miscommunication happens.
2. Let the “boring” details become connection
In a long-distance relationship, it is easy to drift apart if you have no idea what your partner’s everyday routine is like.
What podcasts are they into now? What have they been trying out for dinner? Who’s been driving them crazy at work?
These seem like small things but sharing the “boring” details of your day can make your partner feel more connected to you and vice versa.
We’re not saying you have to share everything by the minute. The key is to share enough that they know who the people in your lives are and how you’ve been living your day to day.
3. Don’t put your life on hold
Long-distance relationships require sacrifice but it doesn’t mean that you should put your life on hold until you’re with your partner again.
It’s one thing to look forward to eventually being in the same space as your partner; it’s quite another to wait till then to be fully involved in your life.
Make sure you’re doing everything you can to make the most of the time you have at your current location.
Don’t isolate yourself or stop yourself from exploring new hobbies or interests because your partner is not with you. Get out there and live your life!
There’s a bonus too: it will help the time spent apart pass more quickly.
4. Reframe the situation as a positive — and believe in it
Here’s another research-backed quote: absence does make the heart grow fonder.
A study has shown that couples in long-distance relationships have equal or more trust and satisfaction in their relationships compared to those who are not.
So it only makes sense that you celebrate your situation instead of focusing on the negative aspects. Reframe your situation and shift your focus to how this challenge will only make your relationship grow stronger.
5. Know the difference between “checking in” and “checking up on”
And that brings us to this point — we know it’s not easy to build a strong sense of trust when you don’t really know what your partner is doing, day in and day out.
The long-distance means that you are never completely sure but give yourself a break. It is a totally normal concern to have.
However, don’t let your doubts and suspicions get the best of you. When you want to connect, connect. When you want to hear your partner’s voice, call them. When you want to text a question, text a question.
There’s no need to play mind games because your partner wouldn’t welcome that either.
You’ve taken the leap of faith to be in a long-distance relationship, so keep that faith. It will all work out in the end.
6. Lean on your support system of family and friends
Long-distance relationships can really suck when you see couples around you who get to be together.
In times like that, you can turn to your family and your friends to help you cope with the sadness and unfairness you feel.
Whether it’s for advice or just a shoulder to lean on, call up your girlfriends or your mates and spend some time with them. It will remind you that you are not completely alone even though your partner is miles away.
Don’t lose hope! Just because a relationship is long distance, it is not doomed to end in a breakup.
And if you have your own tips on how to make a long-distance relationship work, share it with us in the comment section. We would love to hear about it.
Btw, did you know that sugar relationships are no stranger to long-distance? After all, you can meet people from all over the globe on Sugarbook. So it’s no surprise if you connect with someone who is not even in the same country as you.
But that’s the exciting part! And if you’re looking for that, sign up for Sugarbook and start searching for your international lover now.
