I am beyond excited to introduce a captivating guest post by an incredibly talented writer. She has penned a mesmerizing blog of very informative information, “Aurora Theatre,” that will take you on a thrilling journey of what to expect when acting through love, chills, and the secrets of a picturesque coastal village.
Nicole Garbellini is the artistic director of Aurora Theatre and the writer behind its blog. She has directed and acted in various productions in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Macau, and her native Italy. Nicole also works as an acting coach for both youngsters and adults, integrating dramatic skills into people’s lives at any stage and age.
So, dear readers, sit back, relax, and allow yourself to be enchanted by “Shadows of Santorini.” Let’s dive into an uncharted realm where love, mystery, and the echoes of the past collide. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure!
Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are becoming increasingly common in today’s interconnected world. Whether it’s due to work, studies, or personal commitments, many couples find themselves separated by miles but united by love. The challenge of maintaining a strong bond over distance can be daunting, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to not only survive but thrive in a long-distance relationship
I know a thing or two about LDRs, as my husband and I got tested in a way we would never have imagined during COVID-19.
Back in 2020, we were both living in Hong Kong, which has been our home for many years, and that’s when my husband got a job offer in Saudi Arabia. He was a great career opportunity for him, and we agreed to live for a short period apart from each other where we would have had regular visits and work out our next move.
The toughest restrictions
Little did we know that Hong Kong would adopt the toughest restrictions on leaving and returning to the country (mandatory three-week quarantine periods in hotels at your expense, not allowing citizens to return to the country when they tested positive, mandatory CPR tests upon returning to the country, and so forth), and so we faced more difficulties that we would expect.
Restrictions also changed often and randomly, so we found ourselves cancelling our plans to visit each other more often than we wanted. Before we could see each other again, 378 days passed. It was a really difficult time in our lives, but hey: a few weeks ago, my husband and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary.
So yes: we made it!
And, just like us, lots of people can: while long-distance relationships can be challenging, they can also be rewarding and strengthening when we apply the right strategies.
- Communication is Key
One of the fundamental pillars of any successful relationship is communication, and this becomes even more crucial in a long-distance setting. I am thankful to live in a day and age where communication is facilitated by technology and we do not have to rely on letters and long waiting times to have news about one another.
Checking in regularly with your partner will help keep your relationship solid; the hubby and I texted each other throughout the day sharing pictures or videos, wishing one another a good day or a good night.
Then, at some point during the day (evening for me, early afternoon for him as we were 5 hours apart) we would video call and tell each other about our day. We shared how we felt and what we were going through at that particular moment.
There were times when it was not possible for us to video call, but we would arrange a time for the day after to make it happen.
This is what worked for us, so see what works for you both, and establish a routine for calls, video chats, and messages. Regular check-ins and routines provide a sense of stability and predictability, helping both partners feel secure and valued.
Choose whether it’s a daily good morning text or a weekly video call, but remember: consistency is key.
- Honesty, openness, and flexibility
Distance may lead to misunderstandings, so it’s important to be open about your feelings, concerns, and expectations. Address any issues as they arise and don’t let small problems linger; the more you bottle things up, the worse it will be in the long run. Do not hold your feelings back- that’s what binds you to one another.
An open communication builds trust and understanding. Don’t shy away from what you both want from the relationship and how to handle time apart. At the same time though, remember to be flexible. Be prepared to adapt plans as circumstances always change.
Make plans together
Even though the two of you can’t travel to see each other just yet, make plans for the future. Where would you like to go? Where would you like to be? What would you like to do?
The hubby and I often made traveling plans, once it was possible to travel again and once I left Hong Kong to relocate to London. Every two/three months we would meet somewhere around Europe and spend some amazing quality time together. It was never easy to say goodbye when we both headed off to the airport in different directions. The post-visit blues kicked in every time we had to say goodbye.
It is important, however, to develop strategies to handle the emotional dip after a visit ends.
As soon as we returned to our daily lives, we would start to make different plans again, which kept things fresh and exciting.
Share Activities and Trust and Independence
To connect and include one another as part of our daily routine, we watched episodes of Modern Family and Friends together. Laughing together really kept us bound. We also watched the final football European Cup (my husband is English and I am Italian, and England vs Italy was in the final at that time) with a bunch of friends, and what came with it was hilarious.
Playing online games can also be a valid resource, together with trying out a recipe together, and sharing results. It doesn’t matter if you can’t be there to taste what your partner is making, the important part is that you are sharing something you both enjoy together.
No matter what activity you decide to try out, just find time to reconnect together despite the adversity of being apart.
- Trust and Independence
You have to trust one another. You cannot spend your day worrying about what your partner does and where they go. It is not healthy.
Discuss issues openly and work on building a strong foundation of trust.
My husband and I had busy lives despite the COVID restrictions, but we always made an effort to be involved and share what was happening in our lives.
Looking to the Future
Eventually, the long-term relationship will come to a close, and you will need to have an idea of what to do next and what direction to take. Will you be together in the same location?
Plan the steps needed, such as moving, career changes, or further education.
These decisions take time but with the right amount of planning and effort, you will succeed in being where you both need to be.
And don’t forget: sending care packages, letters, or small gifts to show you’re thinking of each other is a lovely little surprise that can take each other a long way.
Wrap -Up
I hope my points can be useful to those who are finding themselves in an LDR right now, and I want to tell you all: you’ve got this!
When things get difficult, try to see it as an opportunity for growth and strength, instead of a challenge, and be there for your partner.
There is a lot you can do and give to each other, even though you are not physically there.
What are the main struggles you lovely people in a LDR are facing right now?
I would love to hear from you and what is working for you at this stage, so please remember to share your tips and experiences with us in the comments.
Lots of love!
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My boyfriend and I went through a similar experience when we bought our property in Costa Rica. We closed at the end of October 2019 and started building.
It was our plan that I’d go back and forth as I had commitments at home in the US. In March 2020 I brought my daughter and her friend down to visit- little did we know that we would return to the US on one of the last flights out .
It was alarming to be separated in a Pandemic shutdown but for a long time we just thought it better for my boyfriend to stay in Costa Rica as their numbers weren’t as alarming as they were here in the US.
When the Costa Rican cases started to rise alarmingly several months later we decided it best my boyfriend return to the US so he could get vaccinated and not risk falling ill in an isolated area.
We still maintain a long distance relationship much of the time as he continues to build our house and I am busy winding up my affairs in the US. We text daily and call when possible. It’s important to ask how your day was, and listen to your partner’s reply and participate in their daily lives as much as possible.
This honestly gives me hope, just because I feel like my soulmate is not where I am!