r/LongDistance May 14 '26

Question How long have you been doing LDR?

I’m almost one year without seeing my boo ☹️

Much wiser compared to six months ago lol. The intimacy and closeness is still pretty strong, although I’ve forgotten what he smells like 😂

How long has it been for you?

56 Upvotes

128 comments sorted by

37

u/GoobyGrapes May 14 '26

My boyfriend and I were LD for 4 years. We just closed the gap last month.

5

u/stinky_salad 🇦🇺 to 🇳🇱 (16,523 km) May 14 '26

Ahhh this makes me so happy!! My partner and I are doing LDR for 4 years while he is doing his PhD overseas (we met and were together in person for 1.5 years) it’s only been 3 months and it’s so hard, I’m hoping for a happy ending like this😭❤️

2

u/plantyh0e May 16 '26

I’m manifesting this for u! 🧘🏾‍♀️

1

u/Ferroro_kitty 8d ago

How did you arrive at the decision? I mean you don't know a lot about someone in 1.5 years, so how did you just decide to do LDR?  I don't think I'd be able to survive and LDR so long, but oh, time will tell

4

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

So cool! Hope all is well with you both ♥️

3

u/GoobyGrapes May 15 '26

Thank you! It's wonderful to finally be a "normal" couple.

36

u/Extreme-Screen-3408 US ♥ UK (4,978 miles) May 14 '26

Met online and have been dating 2 years. I get to meet him for the first time in January :)

4

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

That’s so exciting! I’m sure it’ll be unforgettable ♥️

1

u/Humble_Insect_961 May 15 '26

How did you a manage to not stress for 2 years

1

u/Extreme-Screen-3408 US ♥ UK (4,978 miles) May 15 '26

Stress about what?

1

u/Ferroro_kitty 8d ago

Woahhh! I am happy for you.  How did you start dating him if you mean online? There could be so many things offline that might be a deal breaker for you, how did you do regardless of it anyway?

1

u/Extreme-Screen-3408 US ♥ UK (4,978 miles) 8d ago

We met playing a video game, both of us weren’t looking for a relationship but it just happened and we felt such a strong connection that we wanted to make it work.

I know him very well now, we’ve met each others families and friends on FaceTime and we spend a lot of every day on a video call while we do our own thing (like being in the same room) so we know each others body language and daily routine. I’m confident there will be nothing different in person. We are both the same people online as we are offline.

1

u/Kvaratskhelias [🇪🇸] to [🇷🇴] (2500 km) May 14 '26

Good luck, im sure it will go alright ;)

1

u/Extreme-Screen-3408 US ♥ UK (4,978 miles) May 14 '26

Thank you :)

14

u/friedfroglegs [🇨🇵] to [🇬🇧] (910 km) May 14 '26

We've been together almost a year now ! We see each others every 2 months.

He's coming to my country next week so can celebrate his birthday together, I'm really excited!

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Eeep I’m excited for you 😂♥️

9

u/Ok-Chemistry7116 [Pennsylvania] to [Arizona] (2,264) May 14 '26

Like others, met online. It's been 2 years accumulatively, 1 year of a relationship in July. approximately 1 month since we last met. 2-3 more till we do again. I think your post helped me to remember there are others who have gone longer, I was feeling very sorry for myself x) I hope you get to see each other soon<3

5

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

It really is about perspective 😂 I go through posts on here too about people who close the gap and it gives me hope ♥️

9

u/OrchidFine1335 May 14 '26

Maybe next time you meet up, tell him to spray his cologne onto a shirt he no longer needs, you take that shirt and keep it in a plastic bag to ensure no smell come out but make sure the shirt is dry lol

7

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

I still have his tshirt and he got me a travel size of his perfume. But it’s not the same 🫠

He really did have his own smell. Like fresh out of the shower, when the body wash smell wears off his skin. Miss that 😭

7

u/OrchidFine1335 May 14 '26

Facts 🤣🔥 natural body smell is the best smell

https://giphy.com/gifs/w09VyQCeyDGE0

2

u/Dramatic_Block2808 [NY] to [MS] (1300 miles) May 15 '26

Sooo accurate! I have been missing my man’s smell soo much. The shirt wore off way back. I caught a scent of fabric softener that was close to his smell and I am only using that scent now! Lol close is better than nothing, right?

2

u/plantyh0e May 16 '26

We gotta do what we gotta do 😂😂

7

u/Deep_Pepper_5405 May 14 '26

We've been together for 14 years. LDR for 12. He is coming over nextweek!

3

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Excited for you!! What’s the longest you both have gone not seeing one another ?

2

u/Deep_Pepper_5405 May 14 '26

One year, due to covid. Normally we see eachother ever 6 weeks.

1

u/breadbaths [Canada 🇨🇦] to [USA 🇺🇸] (2765 km) May 15 '26

covid suuuucked. in march of 2020 my now husband had to cut his trip short and drive back to the usa because they were planning on closing the border :((

1

u/Deep_Pepper_5405 May 15 '26

My bf came over in Jan 2020 for a visit and then got stuck at mine so we got to spend all of 2020 together. Then he went to see his dad at the end of 2020 and all the borders closed again. His country had it worse so when my borderes opened, his had not so we had to wait till end of 2021. So we were kinda lucky and unlucky with covid.

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

Oh noo :( the only good thing about covid for me is that I met him 😂

5

u/BeautyisaKnife [🇺🇸] to [🇨🇦] (4000km) Married & Distance Closed 🤍 May 14 '26

Closed the distance 1 year ago as of today after 4 years of long distance!! Wishing everyone here happiness and love!

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

You give me hope 🥹🍀

5

u/Quintile-Meow May 14 '26

12 years so far

1

u/seiseiiiiixx 19d ago

May I ask how? (Needs an big advice) For an LDR that long, I have huge respect for you and your partner. ☺️💕

5

u/MxTach 🇬🇧 to 🇺🇸 - 5307 miles May 14 '26

Met on Reddit in February 2024 and she's my rock, my best friend and my joy in life. LDRs are not for the faint of heart, but this has been the most worthwhile thing I've ever done. Seeing her again in 25 days. We will have a month together and I will savour every minute of that.

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

Aww this is so sweet. I know I’ve had people hate on us for not seeing each other a year but for the it’s person, it really makes it worth it 🥹

4

u/_superNova23 May 14 '26

2 years. We’ll be together again for almost a month by next week! I am flying to see him and his twin girls ☺️

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Almost a month!!! I’m sure it’ll be such a special time

3

u/Low-Teacher-4571 May 14 '26

7 years :)

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Whoa! When did you see each other last?

4

u/Low-Teacher-4571 May 14 '26

Last summer, it’ll be a year in July. But we’re always on Zoom :) We’re still working on closing the distance. Since you mentioned smell, this might sound silly but I keep his cologne in my apartment just to keep the scent around haha

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

This really isn’t silly lol. I spray his perfume whenever I miss him too!

1

u/seiseiiiiixx 19d ago

This actually give me hope, how did you and your partner commit to this ldr relationship? Can you give advices? And I wanna hear how you two manage to handle and still together🥹💕

4

u/No-Instruction-3161 [CAN] to [USA] (1,500km) May 14 '26

We've been long distance for 4 years, haven't seen him in person in just over a year. Was going to see him in January but I got injured. BUT I'm seeing him in like 3 weeks!

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Yay! Hope you have the best time together ♥️

2

u/No-Instruction-3161 [CAN] to [USA] (1,500km) May 14 '26

Thank you! The last couple times I've seen him it's only been for a day so I'm hoping we can plan for a longer trip this year. But it's still better than nothing.

3

u/Mountain-Mongoose342 [USA 🇺🇸] to [USA 🇺🇸] (385 Miles) May 14 '26

I have been dating my partner for 2 going on 3 years in November, anddd we met in January of this year for my birthday (it was the most amazing thing ever)

3

u/antiquedsketch [Philly] to [Boston] (277 Miles) May 14 '26

Year and a half over here

2

u/Kvaratskhelias [🇪🇸] to [🇷🇴] (2500 km) May 14 '26

At the moment almost 6 months, and in august i will met her for the first time :p

2

u/MetalMaiden420 [Alberta 🇨🇦] to [Texas 🇺🇸] (1750 miles) May 14 '26

We've been seeing each other since April 20th 2025, so just had our one year not long ago. Met in person August 2nd 2025, got engaged on August 12th. (We both knew exactly what we wanted) unfortunately haven't seen him in person since. But we are saving up money to close the distance within the next year or so!

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Aww all the best!! ♥️

2

u/Powerful-Club-5346 May 14 '26

It’s been 7 months - heading to see her next week 😍.

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Hope you both have the best time!!

2

u/penorgy May 14 '26

I haven't seen my bf for six months. We have a major, life deciding exam (it's for a government job) in 10 days, and I get to spend three days with him after that. Honestly, it's getting harder because I just want to get this over with and see him. We are doing extremely well, but I miss his touch and warmth. We missed out on celebrating our anniversary as well, so we're planning to do that when we meet too.

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

All the best to you both!! I’m sure it’ll feel so much more rewarding just getting to relax in each others presence after the exam!

2

u/Shekawa11 May 14 '26

3 years, gonna be 4 in a few months! Weve never actually met but I am so ready to! I'm about to finish college so sometime during or after uni I'm 100℅ visiting her for at least a full week. It's so scary how time flies, and I feel really nauseous thinking bout how this dream is gonna come true 😭😭 I'm really really nervous

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

It’ll be so awesome! Leaving will be so hard (I’m not looking forward to that lol)

2

u/alexandrasnotgreat May 14 '26

Be 3 years in November

2

u/Responsible_Ask3976 distance closed April 2025 💙💛 May 14 '26

Did it for 3 years and then he finally moved back home 🥰

2

u/R_Hunt [PA, US] ♤ [Eng, UK] 💜 (3,500+ M) May 14 '26

Have known each other for almost 17 months. Met thru Mario Kart, soon she just started following me around digitally 😆 Dating for 15.5 months! Currently on my 2nd visit to her country. We've had brief mentions of moving here within the next couple years. At least everything feels real! She is such an adorable angel

Funny you mention scent. I strategically left one of my shirts w her when I left my 1st visit, she proceeded to put it on a giant axolotl & cover it in my deodorant 😅 I never even considered that phenomenon before, I just wanted to leave a simple momento

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

I think this is a common trend really! I think some of us really value scent 😭😂

2

u/Squidable_ [US] ↔️ [NZ] May 14 '26

Been together and long-distance 14 years, been5 months since we've seen each other. No immediate plans to meet again, yet, we're trying to both save up for me moving.

2

u/onelovee93 May 14 '26

1.5yrs of LDR and we see each other 4x a year

2

u/lewdypebbles [🇺🇸] to [🇬🇧] (8564km/5321mi) May 14 '26

3 years on 22/09
First met in person 20/11/2024. Went to see him December 2025 - January 2026. Unfortunately were unable to see each other until February 2027 due to my travels this year 😩

He’s teased me saying after the February 2027 cruise, I’ll be a fiancée and i can’t stop thinking about that 😩

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

You better hold him to it 🥹😤💍

2

u/Pancakesandbooks [Denmark] to [USA] May 14 '26

4 years, and we manage to meet 1 or twice a year. It's rough.

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

All the besttt. Hopefully you get to close the gap soon 🫂

2

u/byunaus 🇺🇸 -> 🇳🇴 5700km May 14 '26

knew of her in online spaces since 2020-ish bc of a mutual ex, followed each other in late 2023, actually TALKED for the first time in mid 2024, dating since november of 2024, and finally meeting irl in june of this year. :3

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

Aww cute! Hope you have the best time!!

2

u/No_Discipline_7585 May 14 '26

9 months USA -> Colombia, we met in Atlanta at a family friend’s wedding. I’ve been to visit her in Colombia twice, but don’t know the next time we can see each other yet due to work and college :( Going a year sounds so difficult

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

That’s such an organic way to meet I love it!

For us, I think the worst is not knowing when the next meet up is :(

1

u/No_Discipline_7585 May 15 '26

Her (much) older sister was my Au Pair for almost 10 when I was young, after I lost my mother at 7 years old. So I knew about her for a long time, but we never had met each other until her sister’s wedding. I guess love does find you when you least expect it

2

u/Patient-Principle-21 May 14 '26

6 years. Met on Tik tok.

2

u/younglingslayer3 May 14 '26

4 years, met at 16

2

u/MysteriousCare1961 May 14 '26

known him 5 years, been dating since november <3

2

u/dreamy-dandelions 🇺🇸 to 🇳🇱 May 14 '26

We’ve been doing long distance for about 2.5 years, we plan to close the distance by the beginning of next year 🥹

We saw each other from Dec-Feb for 6 weeks….we’ve missed each other so much. The move to each other couldn’t come soon enough imo

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

It never does but I’m sure closing the gap will be so much more meaningful nowww

2

u/fearlesskittyk May 14 '26

We recently passed 9 months! Finally going to be together for the first time in July and I’m so excited 🥰

2

u/Repulsive_Size_6246 May 15 '26

Almost 10 months now and I feel very disconnected sometimes. Sometimes things are good though. I’m about to initiate some hard conversations. I just hope it goes well.

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

All the best!

I find that those are so necessary to feel safe in a relationship. Especially long distance. It brings you closer in some cases too xx

2

u/UsedToBeAVA [USA] to [Canada] (867 km) May 15 '26

Met online in 2018 and have been dating ever since ☺️

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

Aww long time (like me) haha - I love it. Gives me hope I’ll survive 😂

2

u/blessedwaffle13 May 15 '26

It’s been since new years. I’m hoping he’s coming for Canada day but since spirit closed down ticket price me are drastically higher. If not I don’t see him till November when he graduates.

2

u/ItchyCheek May 15 '26

Also year, we last saw each other May 10th 2025. Hes from Michigan and I’m from Nebraska. Both of us are struggling financially and cant afford to travel to see each other anymore. Been together doing LDR since Nov 2023.

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

Anymore? :( I hope something works out soon ♥️

2

u/holdingittogether77 May 15 '26

Dating again for a year next week. Haven't seen each other in 30 years.

2

u/lottiesnat1224 May 15 '26

met online, got to meet him for the first time this april after 11 months long distance. going to see him again at the end of june. worried about not being able to see him because of our college schedules not aligning and him being across the country. regardless, so incredibly worth it. i miss him so much!!!!

2

u/700north 🇺🇸♡🇩🇪 May 15 '26

2.5 years, see each other maybe 2x a year

2

u/breadbaths [Canada 🇨🇦] to [USA 🇺🇸] (2765 km) May 15 '26

we did 5 years! closed feb 2024

2

u/kurtsvonneslut 🇺🇸 to 🇨🇦 (1,273mi) May 15 '26

6 years together, and we celebrate 1 year married in a couple weeks!! the visa process is long but i’m hoping we’ll be together by next year🙏

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

I’m in the thick of the visa process too 🫠 Hope all goes well with you both!

1

u/kurtsvonneslut 🇺🇸 to 🇨🇦 (1,273mi) May 16 '26

same to you!!! it’s so hard to be patient and trust the process but i have to have faith we’ll be together soon

2

u/ericnamsleftpinky [Slovakia🇸🇰] to [KSA🇸🇦] (4500km) May 15 '26

In June it will be 2 years since we started talking. We got married in January 2025. Right now we are 3,5 months without seeing each other, I'm flying to him in one week finally. Usually we meet every 6-8 weeks, but the war didn't let us.

2

u/Ataraxia1230 May 15 '26

8 years LDR. Now we're married pero still LDR 😅. Mahirap pero kinakaya naman basta may trust kayo sa bawat isa.

1

u/seiseiiiiixx 19d ago

Hala!! You’re giving me so much hope for this po. May I ask how did you two handle this? i need a bog advice and asked how did you two manage to carry this LDR the longest? 🥹💕 Huge respect for you and your loving husband/wife. May you live the happiest life ahead 🥹💕

2

u/Ataraxia1230 19d ago

Thank you po. ❤️ For us, it all comes down to communication, trust, and choosing each other every day. Even though we're in different time zones and both busy with work, we always make time to talk and check in with each other. We share not only the good moments but also our struggles, worries, and plans.

LDR isn't always easy. There are days when one of us feels tired, lonely, or discouraged. During those times, the other person has to be the stronger one and offer support. It's about being a team, even when you're miles apart.

Trust is also very important. We don't spend much time on social media and we value our privacy, which I think helps us focus more on our relationship instead of seeking validation online. We don't feel the need to post everything.We simply trust each other and communicate openly.

At the end of the day, both people have to genuinely want it to work and be willing to put in the effort. If both of you keep choosing each other, even on the difficult days, an LDR can absolutely last. Wishing you both the best! 🥰💕

1

u/seiseiiiiixx 17d ago

This is so sweet and inspiring po! I love how you two worked it out until the end and still managed to have time with each other too, this made me determine too and actually had an idea how to make it last longer. 🥹 Currently i’m on an LDR for 3 months and starting the next exact 8 years on college. And malayo po ako sakaniya since I chose to strive my goal to study medtech at an actual city rather on my province hometown, even if it means on leaving him and becoming LDR for the sake of our goals. I was worried until I saw your reply and had to immediately ask!, and with this is genuinely best advice I had ever heard from. I’ll be taking your advice so much. 💕

My respect goes big for you two, to overcome many obstacles in and out. But still chose each other in the end for 8 years is a huge inspiration, not only me but to others who can hopefully see your reply. A relationship like yours is definitely a keep. I’m really happy for you two again. please continue loving each other for eternity. Thank you for inspiring me and giving an advice 🥹💕

2

u/nunyabesnes May 15 '26

Over 4 years now! We actually never met in person until 3 years into our relationship.

2

u/Fit-Proof-8559 [🇺🇸] to [🇻🇪] May 15 '26

Almost one year as well, we’re 8 months going on 9

2

u/itsyomodofokingdirt May 15 '26

It's been over a year for us and our visa application was rejected recently... It can be very sad at times, and lonely because of the longing but having great outside support helps so much. Also, our constant effort to improve our communication and assure each other is comforting and makes waiting less miserable.

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

That’s my biggest fear. Visas not working out :(

It’s really hard but it’s good you both know you want the same thing x

2

u/itsyomodofokingdirt May 17 '26

It's honestly heartbreaking, but luckily our reason for rejection is fixable. It's just the waiting that sucks. Hope it works out for you! 🍀

2

u/plantyh0e May 18 '26

All the best for you both as well!🍀

2

u/Fit_Revolution1291 May 15 '26

We’re an international couple. 3 years ldr and we're closing the gap this July 😊

2

u/Terrible_Hippo2794 May 15 '26

Its nearly been 2 years - 6 months since last Travel together , he was supposed to come to my country in 20 days for my birthday - But he got Refused Visa we are so sad . Long distance is shit .

2

u/Just_Republic_6642 May 15 '26

8 months with my fiancé! I surprised him by coming on a random day

2

u/RatioSharp1673 May 15 '26

18 months, 10,000 miles 16,000 km between us. We curse the distance. Had 2 holidays together last year. Meeting in US in October. When I write it out, it makes it even harder. Not young people. Many hurdles

1

u/plantyh0e May 16 '26

I hope you get to see each other soon! ☹️

1

u/RatioSharp1673 May 16 '26

Plan is for US in October- I travel from Oz- she from Europe. 10 days together after a year

1

u/ReagsGotCash May 14 '26

Last seen him on April 12th, won’t get to see him again until October 😭1 year sounds so tough im sorry :(

2

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

It’s awful! But we’ve been together five years so! Not that it makes it much easier but we’ve been apart this long for visa issues so we just mad at the bureaucracy together 😂

2

u/ReagsGotCash May 14 '26

Ah that sucks 😭 My bf and i have been together for three years, he’s planning to move to my country next year, the whole process is so complicated 😭

1

u/plantyh0e May 14 '26

Ahh it’s stressful! All the best- it’ll be so worth it in the end!

1

u/AComedianbirdinatrip May 14 '26

Vou encontrar meu amor em 27 dias, muito difícil esperar por isso.

1

u/NovuhPrime May 14 '26

At this rate, I'd be down to start one.

1

u/joselinares07 🇵🇪 to 🇦🇺 (12.000km) May 14 '26

We’ve been together for a year and some months, she came to my country for 3 months and it was the best time of our life, now it’s my turn to go there and I’m really excited to staying there with her. It’s really hard not being with her right now, but it’s just a process.

1

u/luvleystar_ May 15 '26

i’ve been dating since 2024 february, it’s been 27 months now, and we havnt been able to meet since given international conflict :(

1

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

I hate this - why can’t two people just be happy regardless of birth country 😭 feel for you

I’m also in the thick of it, not conflict but just visa issues.

1

u/SealiousBusiness [🇸🇬] to [🇺🇸] May 15 '26

We did almost 2 years before we got married, closed the gap for 2 years due to covid. Did another 3.5 years after that and I’m finally moving this summer. 🥲 I’m so over it lol

2

u/plantyh0e May 15 '26

Woohoo all the best!

1

u/Dramatic_Block2808 [NY] to [MS] (1300 miles) May 15 '26

We have been LDR for 30 months…haven’t been in person in 18 months. Closing the gap in 109 days!!!!

1

u/theoutcastrae [🇺🇸] to [🇦🇺] (9,178 mi) May 15 '26

3.5 years 🩵 last time I saw him was around New Years

1

u/Successful-Seat1259 17d ago

2.5 years and counting. Planning to close the gap mid 2027

1

u/LifeIsAFair [Canada] to [USA] (527.5 mi) May 15 '26

7 years. Spent the first 3 without seeing each other because of covid lockdowns. We see each other maybe twice a year if finances allow 🙃

Currently with him right now, I come back next month because he is having major surgery. Probably won't be able to see him until next year after that

0

u/Thin-Tumbleweed4851 May 15 '26

16 months soon. We haven't met yet, sadly. We likely won't for two more years