How often should long distance couples talk?

There is no right number. Many couples do a short daily contact and one longer call each week. Agree on a rhythm that fits both schedules, and avoid making contact feel like an obligation.

How do we avoid running out of things to say?

Use shared activities, such as watching a show or playing a game, and bring a question to each call. Keep a running list of topics during the week.

What helps most when you're far apart?

Clear expectations, a plan for the next visit, regular check-ins and small daily gestures. Having a date on the calendar to look forward to matters a lot.

Is it normal to feel lonely in a long distance relationship?

Yes. Missing someone is part of the experience. Talk about it, keep your own friendships and routines, and speak to a doctor or counselor if the low mood lasts.

Long Distance Relationship Activities

By Relationships editorial team · Updated October 26, 2026

Busy Weeks & Long-Distance Edition: 40 ways to stay close when time or miles get in the way

The best long distance relationship activities do two jobs: they give you something to do together and they give you something to talk about. Calling and asking "How was your day?" every night wears thin. Mixing shared experiences, small surprises and regular check-ins keeps the connection alive. Below are 30 ideas in five groups, followed by a simple call format and tips for the hard moments.

Video date ideas

Cook the same recipe. Pick a dish, shop separately and cook together on a call.
Watch something at the same time. Use a sync tool, or count down and press play together.
Virtual dinner date. Dress up, set the table and eat together on a call.
Play an online game. Choose a co-op or turn-based game that suits you both.
Explore a place virtually. Take a virtual museum tour or a street-view walk through a city you want to visit.
Do a workout or yoga class together. Follow the same video on a call.
Read a book together. Read the same chapters and discuss.
Stargaze together. Step outside at the same time and share what you see.

Everyday connection

Morning and goodnight messages. Short and consistent works better than long and rare.
Share a photo a day. A picture of something you saw, ate or liked.
Voice notes. Send a one-minute voice message instead of a text.
Shared playlist. Add one song a week and explain why.
A shared notes or photo album. Fill it with ideas, memories and plans.
Leave the call on. Do chores or homework in the same virtual room.
Send a "thinking of you" in the middle of the day. A single line is enough.

Things to send and make

Handwritten letters. The physical envelope matters. See how to write a love letter.
A care package. Include snacks, a note and something small and personal.
Matching items. A pair of bracelets, a journal each or the same candle.
A shared journal. Mail it back and forth, or write in a shared document.
Open-when letters. Letters labeled for moments such as "open when you miss me" or "open on a hard day."

Appreciation & Love Note Cards that can be cut out and sent or left as notes

Talking and planning

Weekly check-in. Share a win, a hard thing and a request.
Question night. Take turns with questions from couples questions to ask each other.
Dream planning. Plan the next visit, a future trip or the life you want to build.
Bucket list together. Fill in a list of things you'll do when you're in the same place. See couples bucket list ideas.
Countdown. Mark the days until your next visit on a calendar each of you keeps.

Playful ideas

Trivia about each other. Quiz each other on your own lives.
Would you rather and 20 questions. Easy on a phone call.
Scavenger hunt by video. One hides items at home and the other directs, or both race to find the same thing.
Draw each other. Hold up the results on a call.
Create an inside-joke dictionary. Add to it as you go.

A five-minute phone check-in

When you're short on time, a structured five-minute call keeps you in touch.

Minute	Step	Example
1	Arrive	Say hello and take a breath.
2	Highs and lows	"My high today was... my low was..."
3	Need	"Today I need..."
4	Appreciation	"Something I appreciated about you is..."
5	Plan	"Tomorrow, let's..."

Handling goodbyes and reunions

Saying goodbye after a visit can be hard, and the first hours of a reunion can feel awkward. Simple rituals help:

Goodbyes: Plan the next visit before you part. Leave a note somewhere they'll find it later.
Reunions: Allow time to settle. Don't plan too much on day one.
Between visits: Keep a countdown or shared plans to look forward to.

When things get hard

Expect rough patches. Time zones, schedules and loneliness create stress. Talk about it early.
Agree on expectations. How often to talk, how to handle jealousy, what to do on bad days.
Keep your own life full. Friends, hobbies and routines make time apart easier.
Have an end-goal. Talk about when and how you'd live in the same place.
Get support if you feel low. If sadness or anxiety lasts, speak with a doctor or counselor.

For tools that help you check in and resolve small issues, see relationship check-in questions.

A gift made for these seasons

Closer — The Couples Workbook includes a gift called Busy Weeks and Long-Distance Edition, which offers 40 ways to stay connected, a five-minute phone check-in, a page for rituals for goodbyes and reunions and a weekly review. The workbook also has 20 guided love letter templates, 120 appreciation and love note cards, a 365-day set of daily prompts and the Closer app with a Check-In tool. They're all printable or digital, so you can use them on your own schedule from different places.