It’s time to cast a wide net, as geography, zip codes, and country codes are no longer barriers to finding love. Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are on the rise, and we can thank technology for keeping the romance alive.
Approximately 14 million couples in the U.S. are in an LDR, and dating apps like Tinder, with their Passport feature and Bumble with Travel Mode enabled, help you search for love before and during a trip out of town or to another country.
More singles are open to starting an LDR. A survey from Dating.com showed that 83% of American singles have dated someone from another state, and 71% have experienced long-distance love with someone who lived in another country.
If you and your long-distance sweetheart can’t be in each other’s arms this Valentine’s Day, here’s your checklist on how to make that day and weekend special for both of you.
1. Special Delivery
When in doubt, send flowers. Nothing will make them smile more than receiving a floral arrangement. To sweeten the day, add a special delivery package of hand-selected romantic goodies.
If your partner is a golfer, send a gift certificate for a round of golf at a club they’ve never played in. If they’re skiers, order them a new ski outfit or send a lift ticket.
2. Schedule a Video Dinner Date
When you’re in a long-distance relationship and can’t be with your one-and-only cheek-to-cheek, here’s the next best solution.
Schedule a video date on Facetime, Zoom, or Google Meet, and ditch your comfy sweats to dress up for the occasion.
Head to the kitchen, whip up a fun meal, and have dinner together with your webcam on a tripod or stand. Ladies, make sure to wear red, the color of love, and pucker up with some shiny lip gloss.
If you did receive flowers from your partner, place them next to you so they can see what was delivered and ordered. Swap recipes in advance, and let one of you be responsible for the appetizers while the other decides on the main course.
At the end of the date, remember to have a romantic dessert. Think chocolate or chocolate-covered strawberries, as they’re the ultimate aphrodisiac. I guarantee you’ll both fall asleep with smiles on your faces.
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3. Send a Playlist Mix
Music and romance are a winning combination. One way to show you care is to take the time from your busy day to create a music list and send it electronically to your date.
Are you stumped for romantic songs? A Spotify playlist called “Valentine’s Love” includes 100 romantic love songs to help you and your partner swoon. The #1 song on the list is Elvis Presley’s, I Can’t Help Falling in Love, followed by L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole, and Lover by Taylor Swift. When you send your Valentine a custom-made playlist, they will think of you whenever they listen. Consider it a gift without an expiration date between the times you see each other IRL.
4. Remember to Put a Stamp on It
Write a love letter and mail it to your long-distance love in a snail mail. Your Valentine will have a permanent keepsake, and there’s something uber-romantic about a hand-written card delivered to your mailbox. Call me old-fashioned, but love letters will never go out of style. Run out of time? Send a digital card. Jib Jab has some cute ones; remember to add your personal sentiments.
RELATED: How to Write a Love Letter
5. Say “I Love You”
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. There’s no limit to how often you should let your S.O. know you love them. Should you text or call? I say you do both. Send a text early enough to wake them up in the morning. Follow it up with a call or voicemail, wishing them a “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Then, it’s off to your scheduled video date in the evening.
6. Have a Movie Marathon
Watching a rom-com in each other’s arms can give you that warm, fuzzy, connected feeling. But what happens when you’re in an LDR? I say keep that movie night on the calendar. Pick a romantic comedy to watch together while apart. Grab some snacks and enjoy a movie date together.
There’s no need to fret if you’d rather binge-watch your favorite TV series. Netflix has released a survey showing your love and affection as you binge-watch together.
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7. Send a Care Package
Nothing screams TLC better when you’re far away than sending your Valentine a care package in advance. What should you include? Anything romantic. Candles, lingerie, chocolate, music, a hand-written love note, framed photos of the two of you, or something you know will make them smile. Remember to send it in advance or splurge for a 2-day delivery.
Valentine’s is on a Friday this year, and it’s a three-day weekend, with President’s Day on February 17th. While regular USPS mail won’t be delivered on Sunday or Monday, USPS Priority Mail Express does deliver packages 365 days a year. You’ll have four days to celebrate Valentine’s weekend with your long-distance love..
Long-distance relationships can be very romantic with the extra effort made. If all else fails, you can always plan a surprise visit. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Wishing you much love and joy in cyberspace this Valentine’s Day, and wherever you may swipe or roam. xo
Julie Spira is the Digital Matchmaker® and America’s Top Online Dating Expert. She’s an award-winning certified dating coach who’s been helping singles find their perfect match for over three decades. Follow @JulieSpira on IG and @digitalmatchmaker on TikTok.
