Important Topics to Talk about with Your Long-Distance Partner
The first few months of your long-distance relationship is considered the honeymoon phase. Everything is all sunshine and rainbows, and you never miss a day without talking to your partner.
However, you should also consider strengthening the foundation of your relationship.
It is not enough that you only talk about how your days went and what you ate for dinner. You should also talk about important matters, such as your dreams and expectations.
As you can see, the honeymoon phase doesn’t last a lifetime. There will come a point when reality hits you with problems that will cause conflict in your relationship. And unless you have serious discussions about where your relationship is going, you might end up disappointing each other and calling it quits.
To understand each other better, you must talk about these fundamental topics.
#1. Expectations
We all have different expectations in a long-distance relationship.
Some look forward to meeting their partners after six months, while others prefer to wait until they are ready. Some people also wish that their partners would talk more about what they’re thinking instead of how their day went.
All of this needs to be set clearly.
Since expectations set a baseline for what you should do to fulfill each other’s wants and needs, it is best to have this discussion.
You shouldn’t wish for your partner to do this and that without talking to them about it. The longer you put off talking about your expectations, the more confusion and conflict it will create in your relationship.
#2. Money
Money arguments can make or break a relationship. Different surveys and studies have found that financial conflicts are one of the causes of divorce in the United States.
Although you are in a relationship and not married yet, it is a must to have this discussion since how you handle your finances can also affect your relationship.
This is because money doesn’t just help with our basic needs. It also influences how we think and communicate.
When you have money problems, you are more prone to stress and internal conflict. This, in turn, will affect how you deal with your long-distance partner.
#3. Family
Your relationship with each other is as important as your relationship with your family.
Your families play a huge role in your lives since they affect how you deal with your relationship by giving you the necessary advice that you need.
However, you should also set boundaries.
There’s a limit to what they can and cannot do in your relationship. Yes, they can provide advice, but you and your partner should be the ones to have the final say.
#4. Personal Goals
Regardless of how big or small, your personal goals can also affect your relationship.
For instance, your new job and work schedule have a huge impact on the time that you set to talk with your long-distance partner.
If you communicated this career shift beforehand, there would be no problem. However, it will cause conflict if you don’t tell your partner about it.
Understand Each Other’s Perspective
Long-distance relationships require communication and understanding.
Since you are living apart, you face challenges that normal couples don’t, such as making time to communicate and be with each other.
In this case, make an effort to be on the same page as your partner. Talk to them about your personal goals and expectations. If you have money or family conflicts, communicate it to them beforehand.
Your relationship should have a strong foundation. Without it, you will never get out of the honeymoon phase unfazed.