11 Best Long Distance Relationship Quotes

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA
Updated June 11, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

In a world where connections span continents and time zones, long-distance relationships can be more sustainable than they may have been in the past. You may have an advantage over previous generations if you're involved in a long-distance relationship. However, nurturing this connection can be challenging. According to Meghan Daum love in separated cities is for “those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love.” Distance may provide a unique way of testing the strength of a relationship. 

To support your relationship, reading quotes from people with experience navigating long-distance relationships and a few tips on caring for your relationship (and yourself) while you're apart might be beneficial. 

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Navigate long-distance relationship challenges with professional support

11 long-distance relationship quotes 

Below are 11 long distance relationship quotes from people who understood about time measured in weeks or years, and of two souls parted: 

  1. "And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." —Khalil Gibran
  2. "Always remember we are under the same sky, looking at the same moon."— Unknown
  3. "I don't cry because we've been separated by distance and for a matter of years. Why? Because for as long as we share the same sky and breathe the same air, we're still together." —Donna Lynn Hope
  4. "Being close is the first and last desire of lovers, but being far and loving each other without an inch's difference is the characteristic of real love." — Senora Roy.
  5. "Distance unites missing beats of two hearts in love."— Munia Khan
  6. "Oceans separate lands, not souls."— Munia Khan
  7. "Distance is just a test to see how far love can travel."— Unknown
  8. "Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction." ― Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
  9. "Distance means so little when someone means so much."— Unknown.
  10. “I exist in two places, here and where you are.” –Margaret Atwood
  11. "In true love, the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged." –Hans Nouwens

Many of these quotes explore what it means for people who love each other to be separated by distance. Long-distance love isn’t always easy, but seeing how other people experience it can make it less challenging. If you find a love quote that resonates with you, or even part of a quote – like, “As long as we share the same sky and breathe the same air, we're still together." – it may help to keep it close to you so you can revisit it when you’re thinking of your partner. 

Sustaining a long-distance relationship

Relationships can take work from both parties to remain healthy and thriving. Though long-distance relationships sometimes require more effort, there are productive steps you can take as long distance couples to succeed in the long term, including the following. 

Establish commitment

Absolute certainty in your commitment to your relationship can be crucial for success. Do some soul-searching and connect with your feelings. Are you willing to face the challenges that may occur to keep the relationship alive across space and time? When you think about the future, is this person the only one with whom you can envision yourself? 

Once you've decided your partner is the person with whom you want to be no matter what, let them know how committed you are to the relationship and reassure them that you're in it for the long term. It may be easy to assume commitment in a relationship where you spend time with someone every day in person. The contextual nuances often provide more opportunities for building trust and giving reassurance. However, being apart for an extended time might challenge this reassurance when deprived of that in-person communication.

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Agree on boundaries

Establishing boundaries may help you manage expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and reduce emotional strain. Discuss circumstances in which feel uncomfortable and agree on how to handle these situations.


For example, you might choose to make more time for conversation if your partner wants to talk throughout the day. If frequent conversation isn’t possible or you don't believe it's reasonable to ask, discuss what you'll do to help increase their comfort as well.
If you're unsure, a "rule of thumb" you might use is to consider how you'd feel if your roles were reversed. Don't partake in any actions you wouldn't want your partner to do. If you wouldn't want them to see something you’ve done on social media or hear about it from someone else, it may be beneficial to avoid doing it.  
In addition, it may be advantageous to establish comfortable communication habits for you both. For example, you might agree to chat every weekday in the evenings and twice a day on weekends, with exceptions for sharing exciting news or a photo you want them to see at the moment. 
Structure your future together

Long-distance relationships often operate intending to be together in person someday. It may help to establish what each of you must do to achieve that goal and design a timeline to stay on track. Planning may also provide an estimated date to help you stay motivated. Talk about the details of your daily life once you're together. Will you buy a house or rent a home? Do you plan on keeping pets? Even details like the colors you'll choose to decorate your home can provide concrete details to eagerly anticipate together.

Plan fun things to do (ex: reading quotes)

One quote from above says, “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again,” so why not focus on making sure you and your partner spend a lot of time having fun the next time you’re in-person with each other again?

While you're apart, planning what you'll do when you’re in each other’s presence again can be exciting. For example, will you go out for dinner and a movie or try something different, like an escape game? What shows will you watch on those evenings you choose to stay home?
Have fun together

Just because you're apart doesn't mean you can't have fun together. Try cooking a meal together via video chat. If you enjoy the same shows, platforms like Teleparty, Rave, or Kast allow you to watch movies and shows together. There are also video games and puzzles where you can team up and play together.  

Describe your day in detail
If you schedule a chat to connect and talk about your day, do so in detail. For example, talk about what you're working on at your job and tell them about your interactions there. If you went to a social gathering, try to paint a picture for them with words by describing where it was and who you saw. Tell them about watching the northern light, or about tracing constellations. Talk about your conversations and what types of snacks you had. Late night conversations with these details may bring your partner into your daily life even though you're apart. 
Cultivate security

Maintain open and honest communication with your partner. Discuss your feelings, concerns, and joys regularly. Knowing you're both on the same page can reinforce confidence in your relationship and strengthen your commitment to each other. Insecurity may lead to suspicion, jealousy, and mistrust that can strain your bonds. When one partner calls and texts constantly to "check up" on the other person or perhaps "catch" them doing something hurtful, it may reinforce feelings of insecurity and cause resentment.

Take care of yourself

While in a long-distance relationship, practice self-care to cope with the emotional challenges that may arise. Distance makes loneliness a given, but you can manage it with some help from social connections and self-care. Self-care can benefit you personally and help you be more present in your relationship. Below are a few self-care tips:  

  • Take time for self-reflection: Consider keeping a journal or taking a walk daily to process your thoughts and feelings. These activities may provide clarity and help you express yourself healthily. 
  • Engage in activities and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment: Keeping yourself occupied with activities you love may distract you from the discomfort of distance.
  • Practice gratitude every day: From thanking the person who holds the door for you to counting what you love about your relationship, a considerable amount of research suggests that practicing gratitude can improve mental health and resiliency. Practicing acts of gratitude can shift your perspective and help you appreciate your love for each other despite the distance.
  • Use the distance as an opportunity for personal growth: Learn new skills, pursue goals, and encourage your partner to do the same. Growing together may strengthen the relationship.
  • Seek support from other love in your life--friends, family, or online communities: Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your relationship may provide comfort during tough times.
  • Take care of your mental and physical health: A healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep, can cultivate well-being. If you experience the strain of loving someone long-distance, or if it is taking a toll on your mental health, you can reach out to a counselor for guidance. 
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Navigate long-distance relationship challenges with professional support

Support beyond quotes

Caring for your well-being, including your mental health, can be critical. Mental health challenges may diminish your ability to communicate and empathize, which can be critical components of healthy long-distance relationships. If you are overwhelmed, consider seeking help from a professional. 

If you face barriers to in-person therapy, such as difficulty finding couples therapy, you might try online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or ReGain for couples. Through an online couples therapy platform, you and your partner can meet with the same therapist from two separate locations. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions and optional weekly group sessions.  

A significant body of research also indicates that online therapy is as effective as in-person treatment for addressing a diverse range of emotional challenges, cultivating better self-esteem, and improving mental health. If you're committed to a long-distance relationship but are having difficulty coping with the challenges it can include, reach out to a counselor for support. 

Takeaway

Patience can be crucial in longest distance relationships (and even the not so long), so try to remind yourself of the bigger picture and your future together. The miles may physically separate you, but they don't have to erode your connection. As Roger de Bussy Rabutin says: “Absence to love what wind is to fire, it extinguishes the small, it inflames the great.” Or, as Benjamin Franklin wrote: “Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it.” If you want support while coping with the distance, you may also consider contacting a therapist online or in your area for further guidance.

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