How to Keep Your Long-Distance Relationship Warm This Winter

If you’ve lived through the ups and downs of long-distance relationship, you know that absence can make the heart grow fonder…but not always. LDRs can be hard, and when even your strongest of efforts seem to be failing, it’s time to call in the experts. I spoke with Dr. Diana Kirschner, best-selling author and frequent guest psychologist on The Today Show, and Dr. Toni Coleman, an experienced psychotherapist and the founder of Consum-mate.com, and picked their brains for tips.

Kirschner says strategic relationship practices, such as “book-ending” your days with conversation, unexpected gifts and steamy Skype sessions can help to rekindle the LDR flame during the holiday season.

The first rule of every relationship — long-distance or not – is to consistently communicate. Despite the distance, show your partner that you care and want to share in their experiences. Coleman, recommends mixing it up by texting, Skyping and calling to keep things interesting and not too predictable.

“Text or call throughout the day so that you are in contact and talking about what is happening for each of you,” Kirschner said. “It will feel like you are together that day.”

With the holidays just around the corner, making your partner feel special is more important than ever. But in order to make you partner feel special, you have to know what he or she finds romantic and caring, Coleman says.

“Write them a holiday-themed poem about missing them and wanting to be with them that really speaks to who they are and what matters to them- silly, funny, over-the-top romantic, etc.,” Coleman said. “Then read it to them through Skype.”

If you really want to go the extra mile, Coleman suggests surprising your partner with their favorite meal and eating together for a Skype dinner date.

“Have a favorite meal delivered to your partner,” Coleman said. “It’s easy to order out something locally from a restaurant near where they live. Then, set a romantic table for two — don’t forget the candles — and make the same meal for yourself.”

Kirschner suggests sending unexpected gifts, such as framed photos of the two of you, more…ahem, intimate…photos of just you or gifts relating to your partner’s unique hobbies and interests. Coleman insists creativity is key when surprising that special someone, and recommends ideas such as sending caring messages for the 12 days of Christmas or 8 days of Hanukah that are personal to your relationship to show that you care during the holidays.

After exchanging holiday gifts and romantic reminders, the next step to a successful LDR during the holidays it to hang some mistletoe and keep the spark alive. No matter what challenges exist – whether that be time differences or busy schedules – Coleman says the relationship must be a priority in order to make things work.

“Agreeing on specific times you can meet virtually – and making good use of that time is important,” Coleman said. “You can have sexy conversations and talk about future plans to get your partner’s imagination fired up and keep you in his or her thoughts long after you’ve signed off.”

Kirschner also recommends steamy Skype sessions (thank god for video chat!) and says the biggest don’t when it comes to long-distance relationships is “lack of connecting.”

“[It’s important to] realize that all relationships have spells where the partners feel in a funk,” Kirschner said. “Make a special effort to connect in a new saucy way via text, phone or Skype.”