Download Article
Download Article
Being in an online relationship can be thrilling and deeply personal. However, it can also give you a feeling of uncertainty. You know that your relationship is real, but keeping it going can feel hard sometimes. Fortunately, maintaining your online romance doesn’t have to be hard! You can have a successful online relationship by staying connected, creating intimacy, and building a future together.
Steps
-
Communicate daily to maintain your connection. Use multiple means of communication to stay in touch daily. This can include email, instant messenger, messaging apps, texting, and phone calls. Message your partner several times a day, and set aside time to have a real conversation. [1] X Expert Source Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.- For instance, you might designate a 30-minute window every day to message back-and-forth or to talk on the phone.
- Use free apps like Facebook Messenger, Kik, and Whatsapp to stay in touch without high phone bills.
- Make it a habit to say, “Good morning,” and “Good night.” If you live in different time zones, try to keep up with what time of day the other person is experiencing.
Warning: Don’t feel like you have to communicate constantly. You and your partner don’t need to be in contact 24 hours a day. If you feel pressured to always reach out, you’ll both start to feel frustrated and burnt out.
-
Get to know each other really well to build your relationship. Tell each other everything about yourselves, including your background, your interests, and your goals in life. Additionally, share the mundane happenings in your life so you feel well-acquainted with each other. The better you understand each other, the deeper your relationship will be.
- For example, start by comparing your interests, like your favorite movies, bands, and books. As you get to know each other better, you might take an online personality quiz and share the results with each other.
Advertisement -
Follow each other on social media and be active on it. Social media is a great way to keep in touch with your partner and what’s going on in their life. Discuss which social media sites you’re both going to be active on. Then, follow each other’s accounts. Post actively on your account so your partner can easily keep up with what you’re doing. [2] X Research source
- Connecting on social media can help your relationship feel more real since you’ll be able to interact with each other’s friends and family online.
-
Be honest with your partner at all times. If you’re lying to each other, your relationship won’t be very strong. While you can’t control what your partner does, you can make sure you’re always telling the truth. Always be honest about who you are, what you’re doing, and what you want from this relationship. [3] X Research source
- For example, let’s say you don’t make much money at your job. Don’t tell your partner that you’re financially successful.
- Similarly, let’s say you’re going to an event that you ex is attending. Before you go, tell your partner, “My ex will be at the party tonight, but you don’t have anything to worry about. It’s over between us.”
Tip: If you’ve already been dishonest with your partner, it’s best to come clean. Tell them how much you value your relationship and that you regret lying to them. Then, reveal the truth you’ve been hiding. Say, “I really want this to work, and I wish I’d never lied. The truth is that I’m not as thin as I look in my pictures.”
-
Learn each other’s daily schedules so you feel part of each other’s lives. When your relationship is based online, you might feel like you’re not totally connected in the real world. Being aware of each other’s schedules can help you feel like you’re part of each other’s lives. Share your schedules with each other and send each other updates about what you’re doing. [4] X Research source
- Send them a basic outline of your daily schedule. You might write, “Wake up at 6:00 a.m., work from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., gym from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., hobbies from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and relax from 9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.”
- Ask your partner to prepare a similar schedule for you.
Advertisement
-
Video chat at least once a week so you can see each other. While texting and messaging are a great way to stay in touch, try to video chat as often as you can. This allows you to see each other so you feel truly connected. Make a video chat date at least once a week or more often as you can.
- For instance, Skype, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger all allow you to video chat for free. Choose a service that works for you.
Tip: Video chatting will help you feel more confident in your relationship being real. Additionally, it reduces the risk that you’re being catfished.
-
Show your feelings with small gifts, letters, and special messages. Being intimate is harder when you’re dating online, but it’s not impossible. Send your partner online cards or memes to let them know how you feel. Consider sending them letters or postcards so they have something tangible to hold. Additionally, mail them small items or send an online purchase to them as a special treat. [5] X Research source
- Try to do at least 1 nice thing for them every week.
- Vary the ways you express your feelings. For instance, send an e-card 1 week, mail a necklace the next week, then send them a playlist.
-
Spice things up with some dirty talk. Being separated by a long distance doesn’t mean you can’t add a little romance into your relationship. If you feel comfortable, send your partner a sext or write them an intimate letter. You might even consider sending them a revealing photo if you’re at least 18 and know you can trust them. [6] X Research source
- You might text them, “I’m thinking about kissing you right now,” or “What are you wearing right now?”
Tip: If you want to send a naughty photo, be really careful! At first, you might hide your face so that you can’t be identified. Take things slow so you know you can trust this person.
-
Do things together while you’re on the phone or online. Schedule shared activities that you can treat like dates. This might include playing an online game together, going on a walk together while on video chat, or eating dinner over video chat. Talk about what you’re doing with each other and try to enjoy this special time together. [7] X Research source
- Don’t include anyone else in your special activities. These are like dates, so you don’t want to invite extra people.
-
Read the same books and watch the same shows and talk about them. Having things to talk about will help you feel more intimate with each other. Choose books, shows, or movies that you’re both going to read or watch. Then, talk about what you both got from them and what you liked or didn’t like about them. [8] X Research source
- For example, you might both agree to read the book The Hunger Games or you might decide to both watch The Office .
- When you’re reading or watching, remind yourself that your partner is going to be doing it as well. This can help you feel more connected to them.
-
Exchange personal items so you have a physical reminder of them. Send your partner something of yours, like a t-shirt, stuffed toy, or book that you love. Then, ask your partner to send you something, as well. Keep this item somewhere you’ll see it everyday to serve as a physical reminder of your partner. [9] X Research source
- Consider sending each other something with your smell, like a t-shirt.
- As your relationship continues, you might exchange more items to help you feel more intimate with each other.
Advertisement
-
Talk about your relationship expectations so you’re doing this together. Talk to your partner about what you want from this relationship. Then, ask them what they’re hoping to get from it. Make sure that you either share the same expectations or can find a compromise that makes you both happy. [10] X Expert Source Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.- You might say, “I want this relationship to be long-term, so I’m hoping that we’ll eventually live in the same place.”
- Reader Poll: We asked 536 wikiHow readers, and 59% of them agreed that the most effective way to set expectations and boundaries in a long distance relationship is to ​​talk through your doubts, uncertainties, and fears together . [Take Poll]
-
Set relationship goals together. Just like an offline relationship, you and your partner should talk to one another and set your relationship goals and boundaries. [11] X Expert Source Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert Expert Interview. 27 November 2019. Discuss what you both want for the future so you’re on the same page. Having goals can help you both feel like this relationship has a future. Talk about what you both want, then start creating a timeline for making your goals happen. [12] X Research source- Your relationship goals might be, “We’ll be exclusive to each other,” “We’ll talk every day,” and “We’ll work on plans to live in the same city.”
-
Plan an in-person meeting. Sometimes it’s hard to meet your online partner, so don’t worry if it’s not feasible right now. However, meeting in person can help you feel connected with your partner and like you have a real future. Start planning your meeting by making a check-list of what you need to get done. Then, begin working on your check-list so you can eventually meet in person. [13] X Research source
- For example, you might need to save money for a trip, take time off work, buy a plane ticket, rent a hotel room, and get a ride to the airport.
- Try to create a timeline for your trip so it feels like you can really make it happen.
-
Maintain strong relationships with your friends and family for support. Being in an online relationship can feel hard at times, especially since you can’t physically touch your partner. To help you deal with these feelings, build a support network for yourself by spending more time with your friends and loved ones. Reach out to them when you need in-person support or physical contact, like a hug.
- Try to spend time with friends or relatives at least once a week. However, more time is even better!
- Share your online relationship with the people in your life so that everyone knows about it. Treat it just like you would an in-person relationship.
Advertisement
How Do I Achieve Good Lighting On Zoom?
Watch
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionIs online love real?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, it is possible to develop a genuine and meaningful connection with another person over the internet! Some online relationships eventually transition to long-term in person partnerships or marriages. However, just like with any relationship, it's important to be cautious and watch out for red flags that might indicate an unhealthy or one-sided relationship.
-
QuestionAre online relationships healthy?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerOnline relationships can be very healthy and fulfilling if you communicate clearly, stay honest with each other, and establish clear boundaries and expectations. Use common sense to keep yourself safe, like getting to know the person before you disclose anything really sensitive or personal about yourself.
-
QuestionDo online relationships last?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerJust like any relationship, they can last if you’re both willing to put in some work! You’ll need to communicate clearly with your partner and check in with them occasionally to make sure you understand each other’s expectations. Ultimately, you may both feel the need to move on to an in-person relationship in order to feel fulfilled and keep the momentum going.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Online relationships take just as much work as a face-to-face relationship.Thanks
- Try to find positives in your relationship being online. For instance, it makes you be more creative in how spend time together and it encourages you to get to know each other on a deeper level.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not when you’re forming an online relationship. This isn’t fair to you or your partner.Thanks
- Be cautious when you first start pursuing an online relationship. People can mislead you and may try to take advantage to you. Keep your personal information secret until you know who you’re talking to.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ Joshua Pompey. Relationship Expert. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201806/10-tips-make-long-distance-relationship-work
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-digitally/201503/4-clues-your-online-relationship-will-be-happy-ever-after
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201806/10-tips-make-long-distance-relationship-work
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201806/10-tips-make-long-distance-relationship-work
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201806/10-tips-make-long-distance-relationship-work
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201806/10-tips-make-long-distance-relationship-work
- ↑ https://www.zoosk.com/date-mix/online-dating-advice/online-relationships/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201806/10-tips-make-long-distance-relationship-work
- ↑ Joshua Pompey. Relationship Expert. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
- ↑ Joshua Pompey. Relationship Expert. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.zoosk.com/date-mix/online-dating-advice/online-relationships/
- ↑ https://www.zoosk.com/date-mix/online-dating-advice/online-relationships/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Being in an online relationship can be thrilling and deeply emotional, but it can also leave you with feelings of uncertainty. To maintain an online relationship, work to stay connected and create intimacy for a successful future together. Use email, instant messenger, messaging apps, texts, and phone calls to maintain daily communication. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day for more intimate conversations so you can get to know each other really well. Share details about your backgrounds, interests, and goals in life. You can also follow each other on social media, which will also give you some insight into each others’ friends and family. In addition to your daily check-ins and longer chats, try to video chat at least once a week so you can see each other, which can help you feel more connected. Another way to feel more connected is to do things together while you’re on the phone or online, like playing an online game together, going for a walk at the same time, or eating dinner. To learn how to plan in-person meetings, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 476,765 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Generally a sense of being calm helps, because before reading it, I was literally freaking out due to an instinctual bad gut feeling something's wrong in my relationship. Confused and truly depressed, it's less now. I have more tools how to approach my situation." ..." more
Advertisement
88%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Generally a sense of being calm helps, because before reading it, I was literally freaking out due to an instinctual bad gut feeling something's wrong in my relationship. Confused and truly depressed, it's less now. I have more tools how to approach my situation."
..."
more
"Recently people have been pressuring me about my online relationship with my boyfriend. I felt like if I didn't pay attention I would break up with him. But when I read this article, I did everything and now we have a better bond."
..."
more
"It helped a lot, this might work. I have pocket money and a job."
