It helps your relationship grow and thrive.

Enter: long-distance date ideas.

Scheduling long-distance dates are one way tokeep the bond strong while living apart.

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And no, regular phone conversations dont count.

It reaffirms the bond every time you connect.

Plus, itll build lots of anticipation for when you do see each other in person.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Prospect Therapy

This can make emotional disconnection grow.

Its important to have the difficult conversations up front rather than let them slowly pull you apart.

That said, it doesnt have to be all serious.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

Long-distance date ideas should be fun.

What people want to know about their partner is: Will you be there when I need you?

Ready to spice things up?

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Below, check out 11 long-distance date ideas recommended by dating pros.

Long-distance date ideas to keep connected with your partner

1.

Schedule a virtual DJ house party and turn your living room into a dance club.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Prospect Therapy

[you might] sing along to your favorite songs, says relationship expert and matchmakerTammy Shaklee.

you’ve got the option to also tune into live streams put on by places like theMetropolitan Opera.

Go for a walk

Just because youre on a virtual date doesnt mean you have to stay inside.

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Oh, la la.

you could set up a private virtual lesson or download theDuolingo appand get studying.

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6.

Courtesy Berkley Publishing

Binge-watch together

Grab your popcorn.

Netflix Party appis a great app for watching your screens together, Trombetti says.

Its like going to the movies together.

Sending over a bottle of wine or their favorite drink is also a nice touch.

Then ring them up via FaceTime or Zoom and enjoy your virtual dinner date together.

Watch funny videos together

YouTube is chock-full of funny videos.

you might literally do this for hours and have a total blast.

Its [also] such a relaxing thing listening to music together.

Trombetti recommends hopping on Zoom and sharing your screen as you take virtual tours of museums or state parks.

There is nothing like anticipation to bond you both as a couple.

It will take some research, but.

Bonus points if they are places you have been together or somehow connect to your relationship.

What are some other tips for long-distance relationships?

Below, Stanizai shares a few more tips to incorporate.

Its okay to have difficult stretches, she says.

Its okay to unload your bad days on your partner.

This rule especially applies if its a new relationship.

In other words, she doesnt recommend ending things solely because of where you live.

And conversely, dont ignore red flags to compensate for the distance.

That way it’s possible for you to feel present even when youre not.

For example, some may need their space and like that they are not constantly messaging, she says.

Others may appreciate that you remembered the name of their local coffee shop and got them a gift certificate.

Create a long-term plan

And lastly, every long-distance relationship needs a long-term plan.

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