By Sade Adewale & Precious Owolabi

In any relationship, communication is the key. Long-distance relationships have to rely on verbal communication since couples are not regularly face-to-face. Partners should set aside time to talk regularly. Sharing an online calendar can help one to know when the other is available. Partners should agree on the mode of communication. Some couples prefer talking on the phone, while others like video chat.

 Maintaining a long-distance relationship can be challenging, but keeping the conversation going can help you stay connected and strengthen your bond.

 A conversation in a long-distance relationship might include sharing details about your day, discussing upcoming plans to see each other, expressing feelings of missing each other, talking about your hobbies and interests, catching up on important life events, and openly communicating any concerns or challenges you face due to the distance,  to maintain a feeling of closeness despite being physically apart.

Speaking with The Hope, Mr Gbenga Akinnibosun said keeping a conversation going in a long-distance relationship can be challenging, but with some efforts and creativity, you can maintain a strong connection.

According to him, the key to keeping the conversation going is to be genuinely interested in each other’s lives and to maintain a sense of curiosity. With time and effort, you can keep the spark alive, no matter the distance.

Akinnibosun added, “A lot of people say it’s hard to be in a long-distance relationship, but I know how to handle it now. If your love is greater than the distance between you, it will work”.

But Mr. Ayo Omolayo said it is not always possible to keep a conversation lively, especially if it is a long-distance relationship. It also depends on your partner, if he/she is not a talkative, like my current wife. We don’t talk much or long, and I’ve come to accept this about her.”

“My tip with the many long-distance relations I had in the past is to take an interest in your partner. Try and get to know each other as much as possible,” he added.

Mr Tunde Oyawale noted that long-distance relationships could be hard to manage if one is not intentional about it and determined to make it work. In this case, conversations have to be constant and consistent so you can catch up in bits on what’s going on with the other person.

Mr Julius Olarenwaju stated that to keep a conversation going in a long-distance relationship requires effort, creativity, and genuine interest.

He added that relationships start by asking open-ended questions that invite detailed responses and show curiosity about your partner’s life.

According to him, it’s necessary to share your day-to-day experiences through photos, voice notes, or videos with your partner to help them feel involved in their world.

“Engage in shared activities like watching movies, playing online games, or learning something new together to create a sense of togetherness despite the distance. Regularly scheduled video calls also provide a valuable opportunity for deeper, face-to-face conversations.

“Get creative by sending surprise letters, emails, or small gifts to keep the excitement alive and discuss your plans and dreams to reinforce your commitment and shared goals. Active listening is crucial—pay attention, ask follow-up questions, and validate their feelings.

“Keep conversations light and fun by sharing humor, but also respect their need for space when necessary.

“Always end conversations on a positive note with words of love and encouragement, ensuring your bond remains strong and supportive”, said Olarenwaju.

Miss Bimpe Adedeji said in the case of people who haven’t met before, they can always talk about what attracted them to each other, their interests, and their goals in life.

She also said that creating a key conversation to hold will also include interests, goals, and hobbies, and being sapiosexual is very much key in “situations” like this.

“Sometimes, it is also good to be clear in their submission of both cases as conversations without physical expressions to back them up end up most of the times being misinterpreted. 

“Intelligence on the part of both parties in starting and sustaining meaningful conversations can not be overemphasized. They must also be open-minded and earners of trust, not those who demand it”, said Adedeji.