At this point it may feel like that day is eternities away, but always remind yourself, it’s, You might also doubt yourself. You may find yourself in a situation where your feelings or circumstances have changed. Suppose you discover that the change in your feelings and circumstances means that its time to end your relationship, don’t be afraid of it. Whether it is marking the date on your calendar or printing out your plane ticket, each step you take closer to the highly anticipated visit will make you giddy and your stomach might feel like a balloon that’s going to burst. It will also help you navigate your long-distance relationship through different stages and become aware if something is not quite right. In other words, why are you feeling a certain way? These thoughts can consume you because you want to believe that you two will make it, but you also understand that it is just the beginning of what can be a very long journey apart. One of the most wonderful parts of a relationship is discovering your mutual interests and developing mutual passions -- whether it's painting, rock climbing or cooking together. Here’s how you can stay in touch with your feelings: If your feelings change, it can affect your goals. If you don’t have a timeline, you risk getting stuck in the limbo of a long-distance relationship without knowing where it is heading. After a long time apart, seeing their smiling face in person really is indescribable. Hi, I’m Alex:) Long-distance relationships can be challenging, and sometimes you need a bit of guidance. When you are first getting used to being apart there is bound to be doubt. When your partner is ready to talk, be there to listen to their point of view. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Be your own... Games can bring fun and excitement in your long-distance relationship. “I can go the distance.” What actually happens when you decide to go the extra mile(s). Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. When you hangout, you might get nostalgic and feel like each thing you do is the “last” one. Without a clear goal and a timeline, you can get stuck in a perpetual cycle of struggle. Maybe. Is this all worth it? But having a romantic relationship with the person you cannot be close to, can be increasingly difficult the longer it lasts. I’m just saying that decisions will be a large part of this journey, and the answers, just like a long distance relationship, are not always easy. Long-distance relationships are romantic relationships where partners are separated by geographical distance. Bring clarity and understanding to your relationship with effective communication. The longer the long-distance relationship lasts, the harder it is to maintain. For a long-distance relationship, you can use it to set the frequency of your communication and the dates for your visits. Before you embark on your time together, that in reality will be your time apart, there is dread. By deciding to go the distance you need to remind yourself that your partner obviously values you and your relationship. Set your goals and objectives for your long-distance relationship. If this happens, use your timeline to figure things out. Keeping on top of your feelings will allow you to notice if they change. It just means that you will be continuing to figure yourself out and grow as a person, just as you have all of your life. A long distance relationship is different from a close promixity relationship because your partner is not physically present with you. In fact, you began with making the decision to give the long distance relationship a chance. Things hardly ever go according to plan. Maybe you will miss your recap meeting, or have to postpone the visit. First, I will start with why I stayed, and then how I realized he wasn't "the one.". By ... "you can't see the forest for the trees," which I identify strongly with this after evaluating the timeline of my relationship. As the ominous day lurks closer and closer the situation becomes real. The Real Stages of a Long Distance Relationship. You will appreciate these things, whether it’s seeing someone wearing their favorite sports team’s jersey, eating one of their favorite snacks or hearing a joke that you know they would love; these things will stand out to you, make you think of them and probably make you smile like an idiot. What is a long-distance relationship timeline. During your long-distance relationship, you should use this temporary period for getting to know someone or to maintain an existing relationship while you have to be apart. Who cares about using cliche quotes from rom-coms in everyday conversation? Doubt is not bad. In short, I thought I had met my match right there and then. When you visit, there will always be that thought of knowing that it will once again be ending with a goodbye. Both of these work differently when the distance is involved. If you can, set a timeline for your goals before starting a long-distance relationship. Agree with your partner how long your distance will last and set a date to move in together. A timeline is a schedule for doing things in chronological order. I am rediscovering who I am without him. Yes, you do. If you are just beginning a long distance relationship do not let this stage scare or intimidate you. You can set a date and time for a regular recap session with your long-distance partner to check if you are on track with your relationship goals. A timeline will help you keep track of your relationship. Spending time on your own while your partner is doing the same elsewhere might affect the people who you each become or wish to become. Each goal can have its own plan and timeline. These experiences may feel extra special or maybe extra sad, but you need to remember that it isn’t, get to do these things again. Agree on the frequency and means of your communication and how often will you visit each other. Why do you need a timeline for your long-distance relationship? These experiences may feel extra special or maybe extra sad, but you need to remember that it isn’t actually the “last”. How to adapt to a new timeline in your long-distance relationship. Feeling like this is great, and you will feel closer than ever in your relationship, even though you are physically apart. If you start thinking, "I deserve better than this," chances are â¦. Learn to share your feelings and resolve the problems in a loving way. So, you're wondering, what was the build up to the end? Step #5: Spending Holidays and Taking Trips Together. Anyone who has been in this type of relationship can tell you how hard it is to separate yourself from someone who has grown to be your friend and lover. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Deciding to commit to the effort necessary to make it work is always a choice. Pinpoint this stage of your long-distance relationship. You can use this timeline to navigate your long-distance relationship.