When you’re far from your love, a few days apart can seem like years and a hundred miles can feel like a million more. It can be exciting at first–distance does, sometimes, make the heart grow fonder. But being apart for extended periods of time can be boring and tedious. There are only so many virtual movie nights with Netflix, Instagram posts, and YouTube videos before things feel… flat.
But lucky us–we live in the age of technology and, despite its flaws, technology can help bridge the gap between partners in long-distance relationships.
I tried to choose a variety of different kinds of apps for long-distance couples. You’ll find some apps for long distance relationship living that offer solutions to distance and the frustrations of being apart. Other apps make sure that that you’re working on your relationship, even though you’re not face-to-face.
Check out some of the best long distance relationship apps that were made to bring you and your long-distance partner closer, no matter how many miles lie between you.
Long-Distance Relationship App #1: Love Nudge
From Dr. Gary Chapman– the guy who brought the world the 5 Love Languages– comes the app, Love Nudge. The app takes you through the 5 Love Languages quiz, recommends how to speak your partner’s love language, and then helps you create goals for making those love language moves. Of course, there’s also a function to schedule that romantic gesture… you know, a love nudge!
Love Nudge is available on both Apple and Android.
Long-Distance Relationship App #2: Between
Between lets you and your partner do it all: message, voice chat, create calendar events, countdown to special days, and store shared pics. A unique feature on this app allows you to create GIF selfies to share with your SO. If you switch phones, don’t worry–your data will transfer.
Between is free with in-app purchase on iPhone and Android.
Long-Distance Relationship App #3: Without
Without says its “an app for couples who like each other” and “for those with separation anxiety.” But judging by its features, it seems like a pretty good for anyone who is in a relationship. Without connects you and your partner and easily sends quick messages, selfies, and share locations. If you’re looking for a no-frills app that creates a direct connection for you and your significant other, Without can do the trick.
Without is free and available on iPhone.
Long-Distance Relationship App #4: My Love
Anniversaries can be difficult and lonely in long distance relationships. One day becomes a symbol of your love when, in reality, every day is an expression of your commitment. My Love is an app that calculates how long you and bae have been a couple. This lets you “countup” to unexpected anniversaries, like 242 weekiversary, and takes the pressure off a countdown to an anniversary day you might not be able to share in-person. (If you’re doing a LDR anniversary, check out my post on how to have the best one yet!)
My Love is free and available on iPhone and Android.
Long-Distance Relationship App #5: HeyTell
HeyTell doesn’t have cute emojis or photo timelines, but it does let you and your SO hear each other’s voices when calling isn’t an option. Record a voice message and send it to your partner; they can listen to it when they’re available. This is a great option if your sweetie can’t take a phone call or if you just want to hear your love’s voice.
HeyTell is free with in-app purchases and available on iPhone and Android.
Long-Distance Relationship App #6: Gottman Card Decks
If you find yourself getting into a deployment or long-distance rut when you’re able to chat or text, the Gottman Card Deck app might be the perfect solution. This free app from the Gottman Institute offers meaningful topics of conversation. Flip through more than 1,000 ideas, favorite the ones that speak to you, and use them with your sweetie on your next date–whether it’s in-person or virtual.
The app is free and available for Android and Apple devices.
Long-Distance Relationship App #7: Dreamdays
One universal part of LDRs is the countdown: how long until our next visit, how long until you leave again, how long until we’re in the same place permanently… So it should be no surprise that there’s a countdown app are on this list. Dreamdays takes the challenge of counting down in a LDR and lets you customize them to stay positive and focused on the most important part of each countdown: time with your partner!
Dreamdays is available for purchase on iPhone and for free with in-app purchases on Android.
Considering apps for your long-distance relationship
Long-distance relationships can be stressful. There’s extra communication, juggling time zones and schedules, and dealing with not being physically present for each other. But everyone experiences those stresses differently, which means that your app choices will need to fit you.
Take some time to peruse each app. What resonates with you and your partner? What makes sense for your relationship? What is realistic for both of you to use?
Make sure you’re both on-board and ready for the extra commitment (if any) for using the apps. Ones like Love Nudge are more intentional and require you to be more committed to using the app for a greater impact on your relationship. Other apps might be used on an ad hoc basis, so there’s less dedicated time needed.
Keep in mind…
These apps are only useful if you use them. (And who wants to have apps cluttering up your phone’s memory?) Instead of downloading every single one on this list, be intentional about the ones you’ll pick together. If you choose one or two, make sure you’re using them.
If you find yourself not using those apps, then go ahead and delete it from your phone (after talking to your partner, of course!). Not using an app is proof that it’s just not serving you or your needs, and that’s okay. These are meant to enhance your long-distance relationship, not add stress or frustration!
Deleting an app? Check out this list and see if another one might fit the bill for what you and your long-distance love need right now.
The most important thing?
It’s your relationship! Apps can only enhance communication, intimacy, and the way you love each other across the miles.
Keep reading…
- 26 Ways to Say “I Love You” in a Long-Distance Relationship
- 8 Creative Ways to Stay Connected in a Long Distance Relationship
- 99 Fun Quesetions to Ask Your Partner When You’re in a Long Distance Relationship
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