Relationship Advice
Nurturing an Emotional Bond in a Long-Distance Relationship
A common complaint against long-distance relationships is that it’s difficult to get to know someone and form a strong connection when you’re far away from each other.
Aside from the lack of physical intimacy, the emotional bond that a couple needs to have a relationship that’s built on genuine love and affection can be hard to come by.
But just because it’s not easy doesn’t mean that it’s a lost cause.
There are still plenty of ways to make the most out of your dating arrangement and encourage a healthy and loving attachment between you and your partner even when you’re in an LDR.
What Is an Emotional Bond?
Author and psychiatrist David D. Burns said that when two people in a relationship have an emotional bond, they are respectful and unafraid to be vulnerable with each other, allowing them to have a powerful emotional connection that becomes the source of real intimacy and friendship.
The foundation of this type of connection is trust, respect, and mutual understanding. It is often forged through shared feelings and experiences.
When you have an emotional bond with someone, you feel safe in their company. You’re not scared of being ridiculed or unfairly judged, which makes you comfortable to open up and share parts of yourself you usually hide from others.
Being secure in someone’s care and regard for you also allows you to grow and discover what you truly want in life. This is why emotional bonds are vital in any dynamic you have with the people in your life.
Importance of Emotional Bond in Relationships
Being physically attracted to your partner and on the same wavelength when it comes to your thoughts and perspectives is key to a successful relationship.
However, it’s also necessary for you to have a strong emotional bond.
It is the glue that will make you two endure any tests and challenges that may come your way. It’s what makes your choice to be together so much more fulfilling.
Yet in a long-distance relationship, having shared feelings and experiences can be tricky. It’s easy to lose sight of each other when you’re thousands of miles apart.
If you grow complacent or fail to make an effort to secure your emotional connection, one or both of you can be disappointed and feel compelled to seek emotional satisfaction elsewhere.
Emotional Bonding Activities for Couples in LDR
To stop physical distance from becoming an emotional one, you must work on your emotional bond, starting with these objectives:
- A regular discussion of your communication needs and expectations as a couple
- Frequent conversations about the smallest things that happened in your day, including shallow gossip and corny jokes
- Big and little surprises for each other which can break the monotony and give you something to look forward to
- Serious meetings about your short-term and long-term plans for your relationship
- Regular “check-up” talks where you can be honest about your thoughts and feelings, including issues you think you need to address about your dating arrangement
- Remote celebrations for important dates and milestones, including birthdays and anniversaries
- Virtual projects that you can collaborate on, particularly those with tangible outputs
- In-person meet-ups every now and then, like vacations and surprise visits
Not all of these activities will be ideal or even possible for your LDR, but what’s important is there is an effort from both ends to invest in your emotional bond and secure a future for your relationship.
References
McMahan, Elizabeth. 2019. “5 Strategies for Establishing Strong Emotional Bonds — Relationship Counseling Center of Austin.” Relationship Counseling Center of Austin. https://rccaustin.com/blog/5-strategies-for-establishing-strong-emotional-bonds.
