Make Long Distance Relationship with Language Barrier Work

You frequently hear the phrase, “long-distance relationships don’t work.” Adding a language barrier to a long-distance makes the relationship even more difficult. However, love conquers all and if you are meant to be with that person, then you will find a way. So how do you make a long-distance relationship with a language barrier work?

The six keys to making a long-distance relationship work are:

• Using technology to your advantage

• Setting a moving date

• Planning virtual dates

• Mastering nonverbal communication

• Learning each other’s languages

• Being committed and honest

In this article, we will dive deeper into each of these six tips to show you not only how to make a long-distance relationship with a language barrier last, but also how to make it grow stronger.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

We are so lucky to live in a world where technology has made long-distance dating possible. Imagine trying to keep a relationship with someone living in another country without the ability to call or text them!

Technology allows us to be connected to pretty much anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Here are some creative ways to use technology to stay connected to your long-distance partner:

• Talk over video chat – nonverbal communication is an essential part of dating someone with a language barrier involved.

• Send images and GIFs – Let your partner know you are thinking about them throughout the day. Pictures get the message across in any language.

• Use Relationship Wellness Apps – Using an app like Agapé helps you communicate effectively and sparks conversation.

While technology can be a great way to stay connected, it’s also important to give each other alone time. As they say, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.”

Also Read: When a Girl Texts You Late at Night and What Does It Mean

Set a Moving Date

It is essential to set an agreed-upon moving date when in a long-distance relationship. Even if the date is five years from now, pick a day where you will both move to live in the same city.

Setting a moving date gives the relationship hope that you will at some point be together. You can’t maintain a long-distance relationship forever and plans to end it gives you something to look forward to.

Plan Virtual Dates

Sitting chatting over a video call will get boring after a while. You run out of things to talk about.
Additionally, long-distance relationships often involve a lot of nights sitting at home alone. It’s important to give each other validation for choosing this lifestyle by planning fun activities.

Some creative virtual dates include:

• Making the same meal and having dinner over a video call

• Going on a scavenger hunt throughout your respective cities

• Watching a movie or TV show together while on video

• Playing online videogames with each other

The key with virtual dates is to break the monotony of just sitting in a chair talking to each other.

Master Nonverbal Communication

Even when communicating in the same language, we express so much information through our body movements and facial expressions.

In a relationship with a language barrier, nonverbal communication is your primary way of expressing your feelings. If you are able to recognize how your partner feels just by their body movement, then lingual communication becomes irrelevant.

In order to achieve this mastery in a long-distance relationship, video calls are essential. Talking to each other at least every other day over video is the best way to learn to communicate nonverbally while living apart.

Learn Each Other’s Languages

This may seem obvious, but if you are in a relationship with someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you, it’s important to work towards learning that language.

You should both learn each other’s native languages instead of just one common language. This will help when it comes to meeting friends and family.

Some of your video calls and virtual dates should be planned around practicing each other’s languages. Watch a movie in your partner’s language or agree to only speak one language for 20 minutes of the call.

While your partner can be a great resource for learning a new language, you should also use other learning tools and teachers as well. Learning a new language can be frustrating and you don’t want your frustration to only be associated with the relationship.

Be Committed and Honest

Living in different cities and not speaking the same language is a lot to handle in a relationship. If you truly love your partner, then you need to commit to the relationship wholeheartedly. Anything less will result in disaster.

It’s also important, to be honest with each other. It’s okay to express frustration over the situation. Your partner is likely having the same feelings as you. How to make a long-distance relationship with a language barrier work is all about expressing your emotions you remember why you’ve committed to the relationship.

Also Read: Relationship Red Flags and Deal Breakers