Long Distance Hacks

There are many relationship trials that couples have to face, but undoubtedly the hardest challenge is that of long-distance. It takes a great deal of trust, communication, and maturity to keep a long-distance relationship healthy and happy, whether the two people are one hundred miles or a thousand miles apart. I myself have had my fair share of attempted long-distance duos, and although none of those has blossomed into The One, I'm hoping that the future holds positive prospects! Here are some tips on how to maintain/strengthen/spice up your own LDR, whether it be brand new or worn-in.

**some of these hacks may be used for long-distance friendships as well!!

For the Movie Lovers: Kast

This new app (to replace Rabbit, another streaming service) allows users to share screens and simultaneously watch everything from Youtube to Netflix. A computer's microphone and camera can be turned on as well to provide a sort of facetime feature during the tv show or motion picture. This is one of the coolest apps for those who have a specific series that they and their partner love to watch, for all you have to do is both get on and start the streaming!

https://www.kastapp.co/

Another option out there is the Netflix Party extension for google chrome. This is a pretty straightforward way to share screens, although there is no camera/microphone feature for this extension.

https://www.netflixparty.com/

For the Gift Givers: Bracelets

Okay, so these aren't just ANY bracelets - both of these options have unique features that create physical sensations for partners to experience together in real-time. With Christmas right around the corner, take a look at these gadgets!

Pillow Talk Wristband http://www.littleriot.com/pillow-talk

These bracelets and speakers pair with an app that allows users to hear the heartbeat of each other, which is really amazing if you want to feel like you're falling asleep next to your SO. Although a bit pricey, this is a great option for those couples who are more than a few hours away from each other.

Bond Touch Bracelets https://www.bond-touch.com/

As a bond touch user myself, I can say that this product has been very cute for my sister and me to use. Simply sync your bracelet to the app, choose your color, and tap the bracelet to create a short vibration pattern. Within seconds, this will be sent to the person wearing the other bracelet, and they'll feel your message on their wrist.

For the Book Worms: Club Calls

These days, it's hard to actually pick up a hard copy book and settle down to indulge, but it's so worth it. My boyfriend and I have set up a time each night where we facetime, and he will read a chapter out loud of whatever book he's reading. It really does make you feel like you're right there in the room! If you're pressed on time, you can modify this by each reading a chapter a day of a book you choose together, and then text about it (or send memes, or rant, whatever floats your boat).

https://www.whichbook.net/ (this website generates books based on a few chosen attributes so you know what you're diving into)

For the Hands-On: Care Package

The great thing about care packages is that you can basically throw in anything you want, ship it out, and the other person will receive it in a few business days. These are perfect surprises when you haven't seen your SO in a long time, or you know they've been having a rough week. Candy, stuffed animals, goofy things, and games are always a safe bet. But you know your partner the best, so get creative with the objects and themes!

https://happyboxstore.com/ use if you're too indecisive or lazy :)

You can also write your partner a letter! Writing is very underrated these days, as texting is so much more convenient, yet the physicality and love that is put into a letter easily trumps any text. Along with your letter, you can include cute little things such as photographs, tea bags, stickers, a drawing, etc. - anything to make it more personal.

For the Music Junkies: Create and Collab

One of my favorite Spotify features is the ability to create a playlist, send a link, and give someone else the opportunity to add to said playlist. Most couples have at least a few songs that really tie them together, and a playlist is a great way to stash these songs as well as find new ones. I'm also a big fan of creating playlists for people I care about; I simply add songs that either remind me of them or that I think they would like. This is also an opportunity to get to know, as well as expand, your partner's own music taste.

Here's an example of a curated playlist (made this one for Abbey): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Qi3Nfw2wX1CiqEY7p2rE0?si=nNBHmf79Q4mhFdijiU77Wg

For the Freaky: Bluetooth Toys

I think we ALL can agree that one of the worst parts of long-distance is the absence of sexual activity with your partner. Sex, of course, is a large part of many relationships, and thanks to today's technology, there are several options to provide pleasure that is sure to satisfy both parties. After a bit of research, I've found that the best toy duo is the Max 2 and Nora, which are both silicon-based toys with long battery life and the ability to not only be controlled by your partner but also sync up with each other's movements for a more intimate experience.

Max 2: https://www.lovense.com/male-masturbators

Nora: https://www.lovense.com/rabbit-vibrator

I hope that some of these ideas will inspire those of you in LDRs to step outside the box and make some new memories together, even from far away <3

Until Next Time,

Anna xxx