Long-distance relationships can be tough. It doesn’t matter if your relationship is new or if you’ve been happily in love for years, it’s never easy being miles apart from someone you care about. If you’re unable to see your SO due to the COVID-19 pandemic or if you live in different cities, there’s no reason for your relationship to suffer.

For long-distance couples, finding creative ways to spend quality time together and express love can require some thought and a little extra work. The good news is there are plenty of ways to make any long-distance relationship work (with the help of technology and Gopuff delivery!).

1. Make time to video chat

Thanks to modern-day technology, you can video chat from cities, states or even countries away. If you don’t have time to check in via FaceTime or Skype every day, schedule some alone time that works best for you to have a face-to-face conversation. This can even be before bed if your schedules allow, as it can create a sense of closeness even though you’re not in the same room.

2. Send a love letter

What’s better than a little snail mail romantic letter to show your partner you love them? It’s a classic (and inexpensive) way to express your feelings from miles away, and something they can keep with them forever. Though many of us are able to communicate via video, text, social media or phone, taking it back to an old school letter can be a fun way to keep your romance alive. 

Make it a surprise in addition to your day-to-day conversation so your SO won’t expect it. You can even channel your inner child and order crayons to draw pictures on some extra printer paper you have lying around. Put your favorite photos of the two of you in the envelope, label the memories with cute sticky notes and seal it with a kiss–it will be sure to make their heart smile!

3. Have your SO’s favorite snacks delivered

If you know your partner’s favorite candy, snacks or anything else that might cheer them up, consider getting them delivered right to their door through the Gopuff app. Whether you think they’d enjoy some throwback snacks or dinner with a nice bottle of wine, we know the best way to most people’s hearts is through their stomachs. It’s hard being away from your partner, unable to hand-deliver them all their favorite things, but surprising them with a sweet care package will let them know they’re on your mind.

4. Watch shows or movies together

There are plenty of apps that allow you to watch movies online with your partner. If you’re into Netflix, you can download Netflix Party for free on Google Chrome to stream your favorite movies and shows and have a long-distance movie date night. Hulu also has its own software called Hulu Watch Party that’s available for anyone with an ad-free subscription. Get your movie night snacks ready and have a video date night!

5. Meet up halfway in a new city

If you’re not too far away from your partner, consider meeting up halfway in a city neither of you have visited before. Not only will this give you something to look forward to, but you can plan a day full of activities together. If you want a socially distanced option, consider going off-the-grid for a camping weekend. You can even work on perfecting your campfire recipes!

6. Send surprise money

Apps like Venmo and Cash App have made it easier than ever to surprise your SO with some cash for their morning coffee delivery. Especially if you don’t know exactly what they want or what they’re craving, sending a few bucks to brighten their day will let them know you’re thinking of them!

7. Hand-make something to send them

Handmade gifts are underrated. Think back to elementary school. How cute were those little handmade valentines you’d send your crush? Or even the fingerpaints you’d make to be featured on the fridge? Adorable. This is not to say you have to make a card, but there are so many DIY gifts you can make for your crush that they’ll absolutely love, like a photo album, a set of mugs or even a knitted scarf.

8. Try LDR tech

Technology is great for making long-distance easier to manage. If you’re getting tired of FaceTime or phone calls, exploring technology designed for long-distance partners may be the way to go. Whether it’s a bracelet that vibrates when one of you touches it, a lamp that lets you know when your partner has gone to bed or a device that plays your SO’s heartbeat under your pillow, there are a ton of options that can work for you and your partner to make things exciting.

9. Play a game online

If you’re looking to have a little fun on your virtual night in together, try playing a game online together! You can play trivia on Houseparty as a double date, or keep it between the two of you with Game Pigeon games on iPhone’s iMessage extension. With more couples than ever experiencing the strain of long-distance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, that also means there are plenty of options to get your game on and have some friendly competition with your better (or worse) half!

10. Create a collaborative playlist

Nothing screams romance like creating a playlist of songs you both love. While 90s movies were big into partners creating mixtapes or CDs of romance songs, we all know digital is the way to go these days. If you use Spotify, you can create a collaborative playlist that allows both of you to add your favorite songs, or songs that make you think of your love, all for free.

This is a fun activity that can bring you closer together despite the distance. If you’re looking to surprise your significant other with a playlist, try making a secret one and mailing them a QR code via snail mail. The playlist will open once they scan it, and it’ll be like the 90s all over again (well, kinda).

11. Read a book together

Reading together can be a connective, educational and enlightening experience for you and your partner to grow as a couple. If you’re into reading (or even if you prefer audiobooks), embarking on a new hobby together can be a fun way to bond and find new things to talk about. Start a wine and book club together with friends, or join online book clubs to hold you more accountable for reading often.

12. Send funny videos and TikToks

Most of us have aimlessly scrolled through social media before bed. If you’re on TikTok or YouTube, you know hours can feel like minutes when you find good content. You may do this with your friends, but consider sharing some humor or cute videos with your sweetheart to make them smile. Even if they’re videos the two of you have seen before, it can rehash some good old memories and trigger an inside joke or two.

13. Try new recipes together virtually

A virtual date night in can be just as romantic as an IRL one if you try! Get dressed up and plan to cook together via video chat for a date night at home. Find a recipe that you can both enjoy, gather up the ingredients and get cooking. Although you can’t play with the food together, you can still make shared memories! Set the camera across the table (or on the living room floor if you’re going the indoor picnic route) and enjoy a candlelight dinner with your bae.

14. Get into horoscopes and personality tests

Maybe your love was written in the stars, or maybe it was the hours of scouring the internet after meeting to see if your signs were compatible. We don’t judge. Either way, exploring your horoscopes, birth charts and everything astrology can be a fun way to experience a new layer of closeness with your soulmate. 

There are plenty of free sites for birth charts if that’s what you’re into. If not, try the enneagram test or other personality tests to learn more about yourself and your partner. You might be surprised about what you learn!

15. Take a virtual class together

If you’re looking to bond over learning new things with your partner, try taking a class together online. Brush up on your artistic skills by taking a painting class together, or try other fun online classes like Nikon’s photography class, an exercise class, gardening or even writing. Not only can you pick up a new hobby together, but it can be fun and exciting to watch your significant other potentially finding a new passion—other than you, of course!

Long-distance relationships can have their ups and downs, if you’re separated because of college, work or other reasons. That doesn’t mean you have to let the flame burn out! Communication is key, and putting in effort to make your relationship work despite the miles in between will make for a successful relationship during your time apart. Stick it out and you’ll be able to celebrate your long-distance success when you can be together again!