11 Postive Things to Do When You Miss Your Long Distance Boyfriend

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're in a long-distance relationship, you've probably felt the deep pain that comes from being separated from your guy. At times, it might feel like you miss him so much that it's hard to function—so what can you do? The good news is that you can feel better if you stay busy and focus on your own happiness. To get you started, we've listed things you can do to take care of yourself and enjoy life again.

1

Explore your city for a great distraction.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You might feel like it's hard to do things without your boyfriend, but he wouldn't want you to stay in and pine for him! Check out new places to see like museums, art exhibits, or parks. [1] This is a fun way to keep your mind off of your guy. [2]
    • You'll probably want to avoid places that have special meaning for you as a couple. For instance, skip the cafe where you two had your first date since it will make you focus more on missing him.
    2. Advertisement
2

Keep yourself busy with work or school.

PDF download Download Article
  1. [3] This might mean that you focus more on your job or education—really devote your time to work or school. You'll start to feel more fulfilled and less lonely as you develop a new skillset. [4]
    • An added perk is that your grades or work-life might improve with all the extra effort you're putting in.
3

Spend time around friends and family.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Remind yourself that you have a support network that cares about you. [5] If you need some extra distraction, meet up with a friend you haven't seen in a while or hang out with your favorite relatives. [6]
    • Sometimes, being around others can remind you that you do have a life separate from your boyfriend and this is a good thing!
    2. Advertisement
4

Join a group or club to meet new people.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll meet people with similar interests and feel connected to people in your community. [7] This can make you feel less lonely and it can widen your support network. [8]
    • For example, you could join a neighborhood soccer team or join a local choir.
5

Get physically active to improve your mental health.

PDF download Download Article
  1. [9] Studies have also shown that regular physical activity can improve your mood and help you relax. You might find that hitting the gym or just going for a run can do wonders for your self-esteem and mental health. [10]
    • If you struggle with fitting in physical activity, consider asking a friend to work out with you or go on daily walks with you.
    2. Advertisement
6

Prioritize self-care.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your relationship is causing you stress or anxiety, it's a good time to pull back and pay attention to self-care. [11] Instead of looking to your boyfriend to make you happy, ask yourself, "What are things I can do to make myself happy?" [12]
    • You might learn a new hobby or pick up an instrument. Maybe it's time to brush off a skill that you've always wanted to develop.
7

Create a nighttime ritual if you miss him more in the evenings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's easy to slip into missing your boyfriend if you used to snuggle up together at night. To help, do things in the evening that you enjoy and that are soothing. You might write in a journal, watch your favorite TV show, or listen to a great podcast, for instance. [13]
    • It's totally fine to include your boyfriend in part of your bedtime routine. You might send him a goodnight text or talk on the phone before you keep up your nightly routine.
    2. Advertisement
8

Schedule time to communicate.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Feel like you're always missing your boyfriend's phone calls or does it seem like you two never find time to talk? Make a communication plan with your boyfriend—decide how you like to communicate and when you'll communicate. For instance, he might call you every other day after he gets off work while you'll FaceTime him on the weekends. [14]
    • Figure out if either of you will travel to visit the other. Knowing that you'll see each other at some point can definitely help you not miss him so much.
9

Talk about the future with your boyfriend.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make plans with your boyfriend about how you'd like to be together—maybe you'll move to his city once you finish school or you'll both move somewhere together when you get jobs. [15] Dreaming and planning can make you feel more connected and like a team. [16]
    • It's also good to remind yourself that distance is just a number. If you create a stable relationship based on good communication, then the miles are just something you both work through.
    2. Advertisement
10

Practice positive self-talk.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you find yourself feeling down or worrying about your boyfriend, find a way to see the positive. For instance, if you think, "I wonder why he hasn't called me? Maybe he doesn't want to keep doing the long-distance thing," change your mindset to something positive like, "I bet he hasn't called me because he's been busy with class. I'll have a lot to tell him about when we do connect."
    • Changing your mindset takes time, but it gets easier the more you practice.
11

Interact just a few times a day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The temptation can be to call or text whenever you're pining for him, but this can be stifling. It's also not good for you! Instead of focusing on how frequently you're in contact, prioritize quality. [17]
    • For example, instead of texting him 20 times throughout the day to just point out that you miss him, call him once in the evening and talk about what you did during the day. You won't be constantly checking your phone and you'll focus more on your own needs.
    • However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't reach out to your guy every day. Just limit it to a few times per day at most.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 346 wikiHow readers who've had a long distance relationship, and 69% of them agreed that they like to check in with their partner every day . [Take Poll]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What kills long distance relationships?
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Psychotherapist
    Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Psychotherapist
    Expert Answer
    A lack of communication can definitely do that. Remember to keep contact with your partner, always discussing the relationship. It's important to truly hear what they have to say and implement those feedbacks whenever possible.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 22
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Kiss
      How to
      Turn on a Guy
      How to
      Impress a Girl with Words
      100+ Loving, Funny & Appreciative Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend
      What Are the Bases in a Relationship? Defining the Baseball-Sex Metaphor
      How to
      Tell if Your Girlfriend Is Horny: 12 Signs She's Turned On
      100+ Good Morning Texts for Her (& Other Ways to Make Her Smile)
      Celebrate Your One Month Anniversary with These Sweet Messages
      How to
      Make a Girl Feel Special Through Text
      Questions to Ask a Girl to Increase Intimacy
      11+ Heartfelt Messages to Make Your Girlfriend Feel Appreciated
      15 Sweet and Romantic Stories to Tell Your Girlfriend
      Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back
      The 25 Best (and Spiciest) Drinking Games to Play as a Couple
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      2. ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/long-distance-relationship-taking-sting-out-separation
      3. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      4. ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/long-distance-relationship-taking-sting-out-separation
      5. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.anewmode.com/dating-relationships/how-to-make-a-long-distance-relationship-work/4/
      7. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/how-to-stop-missing-someone/
      9. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
      2. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.anewmode.com/dating-relationships/make-a-long-distance-relationship-work/2/
      4. ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/long-distance-relationship-taking-sting-out-separation
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teen-doctor/201805/5-ways-strengthen-long-distance-relationship
      6. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201609/how-make-long-distance-relationships-work
      8. ↑ https://www.anewmode.com/dating-relationships/make-a-long-distance-relationship-work/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 70,633 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement