The main way to stay connected with your long distance partner is through the use of technology. Thankfully, in today’s digital age, we’re fortunate to have access to a wide range of apps and tools designed to make communication easier, even when separated by miles. From Facetime to interactive widgets, there are endless options to help you feel close. These apps not only keep you in touch but also add a fun and engaging element to your relationship, which helps you build memories, no matter the distance.
These are my favorite apps to use in my LDR:
1. Facetime
This one may be obvious, but FaceTime and other video chat apps are game changers for long distance relationships. They offer a face-to-face connection that helps bridge the physical gap, letting you see your partner’s expressions and feel closer despite the miles. Whether it’s just saying hi or spending hours catching up, video calls create connection that texts and even phone calls can’t match. They also make it easy to share experiences, from virtual dinners to movie nights.
2. Locket
Locket lets you send live photo updates directly on your partner’s screen. It’s perfect for long distance relationships because it allows you to share real-time snapshots of your day, creating a sense of presence and connection. This is even better than Snapchat, because you can see your partner’s current-day face right on your home screen. The feature to send notes is another personal touch that makes a difference.
3. Note Widget
Note Widget is a fun and creative app for long distance couples, letting you send handwritten notes, doodles, or sweet messages that also appear in a homescreen widget. You can use this app as a way to show your partner that you’re thinking of them through a funny or romantic drawing. This is also great for those who love handwritten notes, but haven’t gotten a chance to send one in the mail.
4. GamePigeon
GamePigeon is a fantastic way to bring some fun into your long distance relationship. These “iMessage games” offer a variety of mini-games like pool, darts, and word games that you can play directly with your partner. It’s perfect for adding a fun and lighthearted twist to your daily communication. GamePigeon is great because you can have a game going throughout the day, responding when you’re free, or you can go through a game quickly while you’re on the phone to make your daily call more exciting.
5. Spotify
Use the power of music to stay connected in your long distance relationship! Spotify allows you to create shared playlists filled with your favorite songs and even discover new artists together. Spotify Group Sessions let you listen to the same playlist or album in real time, no matter where you are. Making a playlist for or with your partner is such a sweet and simple way to show your love, and Spotify makes it easy to do this.
6. Widgetable
Widgetable offers interactive widgets that can help you and your partner stay connected in unique ways. You can share countdowns to your next visit, track how many days you have been dating, send an “I miss you” message, and much more with custom widgets on your home screen. Its fun and personal features help you feel closer throughout the day, providing little reminders of your partner right at your fingertips. Widgetable is a simple but meaningful tool to make your connection more interactive.
7. Snapchat
In my opinion, Snapchat has become overrated. However, I think it’s a dynamic way to stay connected with your long distance partner (and friends!) because you can easily send photos of yourself back and forth all day. Seeing each other’s faces every day truly makes the biggest difference (this is why Facetiming is super important). The “save in chat” feature is also a fun way to preserve memories, whether they are funny or sweet, and you can easily look back on them.
8. Words With Friends
I mentioned this in my Quality Time in Long Distance blog, but Words With Friends is a great way to stay connected with your partner, while engaging in a bit of friendly competition. It is essential a virtual Scrabble and is perfect for long distance relationships because it allows you to play at your own pace, sending moves back and forth whenever you have time. Any other games you can send back and forth are also beneficial for the same reason!
Long distance relationships thrive on communication, creativity, and effort. These apps are tools to make your connection easier, stronger, and more fun. While technology can’t replace physical closeness, it can certainly help you feel a little closer until the next time you meet in person.
