Long Distance Relationship Fun Ideas

A long distance relationship. That bitter-sweet pleasure of missing someone. That anger of not having them by your side when you need them. The joy of not having to tolerate each other all the time. OK, I’m just kidding.

Or maybe not. :-P

The first step of making a long distance relationship work is to understand that it takes special efforts. Yes, beyond the daily call and weekly webcam session.

I once got talking about the 5 Basic Principles of a Long Distance Relationship. Today I thought I’d share some unique, creative, off-the-wall ways in which you can connect over the long distance. Try one of these fun ideas to keep your relationship more stronger.

Long distance relationship idea #1. Send a Hoochymail

Hoochymail is a cool little app that automatically generates love stories about the two of you when you input your name, a few details about yourselves like cities, specific physical features etc. You can then set the type of story (funny, sexy or really sexy ;)), choose from six different story titles and lo! Your custom Bollywood romantic comedy is ready for sharing with your long distance loved one.

Long distance relationship idea #2. Share an online journal

Start a personal blog together. Make it a private blog so that only the two of you can read it. Use it like an online journal. Both of you can have separate logins. Record your everyday experiences here in the form of short blog posts. I’m sure you can imagine the thrill of flipping through your “common diary” a few years down the line when you’re hopefully your relationship is not long distance any more.

Long distance relationship idea #3. Declaration of romantic intent

Send a legal notice to your partner, requesting immediate reply. Before you panic – I’m talking about a declaration of romantic intent. It’s a serious-sounding, menacingly formal-looking virtual “legal notice” for declaring your head-over-heels romantic intent for your partner. Nothing like spicing up your love story with a healthy smattering of humour.

Long distance relationship idea #4. Become parents

Oh well not really, of course. But here’s MorphThing, where you can upload photos (headshots) of both of you, do some work on them (as per site instructions) and they’ll morph the two pictures together to create a picture of your future baby. J When your significant other receives the baby delivered over the morning mail, I’m sure they’ll get the happiest shock of their lives (other than the news of real one coming by, that is. ;))

Long distance relationship idea #5. Your shared bulletin board

How cool would it be if you could have a private bulletin board which only the two of you could see and post messages to each other on? That’s what Listhings brings to you – a perfect plywood board background for the board to post your red/blue/yellow/pink sticky notes to. You can choose their sizes, positioning and of course – colours. One you’re done with your first sticky note, just click the “Share” button on top right corner and you’re on your way to creating your most memorable bulletin board. ;)

Long distance relationship idea #6. Love letters

Ah the good old snail-mailed love letters. In this age of emails and instant messages, the only thing you receive via snail mail is probably you utility bills. Imagine their delight when they receive a handwritten love letter from you instead.

Long distance relationship idea #7. You are your words

Done with writing that letter? Great. If you want to become a poet as well as an artist to your special someone sitting a long distance away, don’t stop yet. Head straight to You Are Your Words, which allows you to upload something you’ve written and your photos together so as to create a portrait of your face from your words. Your face, with your crazy feelings for your partner literally writ large on it – what more could he/she have asked for as a romantic surprise?

Long distance relationship idea #8. Do something in-sync

What’s your favourite TV show? Find one that you both like and start watching it together. Call each other during the breaks to discuss your predictions on, “What happens next?” It’s as if you’re sitting side by side and enjoying an episode of your favourite sitcom together.

Long distance relationship idea #9.Take a free course together

You can try the same idea with taking free online courses together on fun topics like Spanish, animal behaviour, soap operas, street fighting etc. (if you’re bored with the “serious” topics like fundamentals of Physics, introduction to Philosophy etc., which are also available).

Long distance relationship idea #10. Send a Smilebox

Sharing your photos on Facebook is what everyone does. Simlebox lets you choose your own whacky, romantic, creative ways to share your photos with your special someone. You can upload your photos and create cool scrapbooks, slideshows, cards, collages, albums etc. out of them. There are hundreds of themes and design templates to choose from.  

What your ideas of making your long distance relationship fun and exciting? Share with us in the comments.

Source:http://www.loveinindia.co.in/long-distance-relationships-creative-ideas/

Characteristic Of Healthy A Relationship & How To Maintain It

In a healthy relationship between two people, each person is allowed to be an individual within the relationship. Both people are allowed to grow independently of each other and as a couple.

The Characteristics of a Healthy, Functional Romantic Relationship

Many people think that "intimate" means being physically intimate, such as being in a sexual relationship. However, a healthy intimate relationship can be with anyone who you are really close to and with whom you can be completely open and honest. Being close to people helps us find meaning and gives us purpose.

A healthy functional intimate relationship is based on equality and respect, not power and control. Think about how you treat (and want to be treated by) someone you care about. Compare the characteristics of a healthy functional romantic relationship with those of an unhealthy dysfunctional romantic relationship.

Honesty & Accountability:
Accepting responsibility for self, acknowledging past use of violence, admitting when you are wrong, communicating openly and honestly, keeping your word, not making excuses for your partner’s or for your own actions. Relationship is built on truth rather than game playing.

Open Communication:
Being able to express your feelings or opinions, knowing it is okay to disagree, saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Communication is based on clarifying issues, specifying feelings, and working together for mutually satisfying solutions. If one partner does something that hurts the other in any way they take responsibility, and make needed changes in their demonstration of love for the other partner.

Negotiation & Fairness:
Seeking mutually satisfying resolutions to conflict, being willing to find solutions that are agreeable to both people. Acknowledging your wants & needs are just as valid as your partner’s (you don’t have to agree in order to respect your partner and to understand differences in opinion). When differences come up, try to see the situation from your partner’s point of view and try to work through them together (agreeing to disagree sometimes, willing to compromise). No issue or problem is more important than the relationship – “winning the argument” is seen as harming the relationship.

Economic Partnership:
Making money decisions together, making sure both partners benefit from financial arrangements, sharing dating expenses, accepting both partners need to hold a job.

Shared Responsibility:
Making decisions together, splitting or alternating costs on dates. Being mindful of the other person’s needs as well as your own - doing things for each other, going places you both enjoy, giving as much as you receive.

Shared Power:
In general, each person has an equal say in the relationship, although at time, one person may have greater say because of more information or experience in an area. Each is mindful of the other’s needs and wants (as well as your own). The individuals view themselves as part of a couple that brings each person more happiness & allows each to be stronger.

Respect:
Each person is valued for who they are and what they bring to the relationship. Treat the other person as if he/she is of value. Find ways to appreciate them for who they are. Differences in thoughts, feelings, values, etc. are accepted and respected. Accept your partner for who they are. Do not demand that the other person change to meet all your expectations. Paying attention to your partner, valuing your partner’s opinion even if it differs from yours, listening to what your partner has to say, listening to her nonjudgmentally, being emotionally affirming & understanding. Violence is not used by either partner.

Trust & Support:
Being supportive, wanting the best for your partner, knowing your partner likes you, being able to rely on your partner, offering encouragement when necessary, being okay with your partner having different friends. The couple feels secure sharing private aspects of each other’s thoughts & feelings - since couple feels secure there is no jealousy or possessiveness. Individuals can let their barriers down and allow the other person to see their perceived weaknesses, without fear of negative reactions from them. Individuals are able to be open to what the other person is feeling.

Non-Threatening Behavior:
Talking and acting so that each person feels safe & comfortable expressing her/himself and doing things

Intimacy: 
Respecting your partner’s boundaries, respecting each other’s privacy, not pressuring your partner, being faithful.

Physical Affection:
Holding hands, hugging, kissing, sitting with your arm on your partner’s shoulder. Respecting each other’s right to say no, asking before acting.

Personal Integrity:
Partners are able to maintain beliefs and sense of self as well as offer time & attention to the relationship. Partners have some independence & privacy and care about each other’s quality of life. Working on a relationship always begins with working on ourselves; take responsibility for our behavior (be accountable).

How To Maintain A Healthy Relationship ?

• Be aware of what you and your partner want for yourselves and what you want from the relationship.
• Let one another know what your needs are & be able to communicate them assertively. You aren’t psychic & neither is he/she.
• Realize that your partner will not be able to meet all of your needs - some needs will be met outside of the relationship.
• Do not demand that a partner change to meet all your expectations. Work to accept differences that you see between your ideal (how you would like things to be) & the reality (how they really are).
• Expect conflict - be willing to negotiate & compromise on the things you want from one another.
• Perspective-taking & empathy - try to see things from the other’s point of view and to accept them.
• You don’t have to agree to respect and understand differences.
• Realize that healthy relationships take continual work and effort to maintain. When differences come up, try to negotiate.

Source: http://www.campbell.edu/pdf/counseling-services/characteristics-of-healthy-romantic-relationships.pdf