Introducing sex toys to your long distance relationship might seem intimidating at first, but there are lots of great sex toys that can spice up your (and your partner’s!) life.
Key takeaways:
Long-distance relationships are more popular today thanks to dating apps and the internet.
Communication is especially important in a long-distance relationship, as well as “date nights.”
A long-distance relationship doesn’t have to be sexless; in fact, you can even bring sex toys into the relationship.
Before introducing sex toys, have an open and honest conversation about it with your partner.
Some sex toys are specifically designed for long-distance play.
When you care about or love someone, it’s not limited by geography. Thanks to dating apps and the internet, long-distance relationships have become common. Many long-distance relationships start online. Many college students – studies suggest up to 75% – have been in long-distance relationships. During the pandemic, travel restrictions and quarantines kept many couples physically apart.
While some might doubt the longevity of long-distance relationships, research shows that they can work. A 2018 study showed that 60% of long-distance relationships are successful.
Like all relationships, long-distance relationships take work to flourish. Let’s talk about how to nurture your long-distance relationship and the best sex toys for it.
Tips to make long-distance love last
As with all relationships, communication is key – but it’s even more important in a long-distance relationship where phone calls, video chats, and social media platforms take over for in-person communication.
While technology has opened up the ways we can talk to each other, the quality of communication remains important.
Here are some tips to make your long-distance love last.
Don’t limit your communication to one type, such as texts or phone calls. Interacting with your partner across modalities – yes, even snail mail – can help you feel more connected with each other.
“Date nights” are still important, just as if you were living nearby or with each other. Set aside time each week that is just for each other and the relationship. You can watch the same movie together, play a game online, or do some type of fun activity together.
Be sure to share – and ask – about your partner’s day-to-day experiences. When you’re not physically there, it can be easier to get caught up in the mundanities of your own day. Make it a point to share the small details of your day.
Thanks to all the technology available now, long-distance relationships have more support than ever. But there’s one glaring thing that stands out about them: what about sex?
Many couples sext in between being able to see each other, but thanks to technology, there are a ton of sex toys on the market that can help you and your partner connect sexually despite a physical distance.
What to consider before buying sex toys
Before you run off to the adult toy store, there are some things you should consider before introducing sex toys into any relationship. They can be intimidating for both parties – it’s really common to feel shy about trying something new or that you aren’t enough if a partner wants to introduce a toy.
Here are some things to ponder when you’re considering using sex toys together.
Know there’s a chance your partner may not be comfortable with them – and that’s okay.
Bring it up to your partner and see how they react; if they’re excited about it, go for it!
If they have concerns that you want to introduce sex toys because they aren’t satisfying you, have an honest conversation about how a sex toy is not a replacement for your partner, and that you want to introduce one to increase the pleasure for both of you while you’re apart.
Don’t rely on sex toys alone to improve a relationship; other things, such as stress management, are important as well. Stress is one of the biggest libido killers.
Once you two are on the same page, it’s time to shop. Let’s look at three of the best sex toys for long-distance relationships below.
Best sex toys for long-distance couples
Sex toys have come a long way since the days of just being vibrators. There are now devices that are made specifically for long-distance play. Here are three great ones.
Zee Bullet Vibrator: This vibrator was voted as one of the best sex toys for travel by Women’s Health magazine. That means when you head out to visit your partner, you can keep the sex toys in play by stashing this baby in your suitcase. It has three speeds, and it’s waterproof, so it’s good to go no matter where you want to get down. You can get it for $30 at Dame.
We-Vibe Cordless Wand Vibrator: This is a wand vibrator with ten vibration settings. It connects to an app (We-Connect) so your partner can control the stimulation settings. Since it’s a wand design, it can be used all over your body, not just for penetration. It comes equipped with two additional attachments for clitoral or penile stimulation. The shape can be used for any sex or sexual orientation. It averages around $170 at multiple retailers.
We-Vibe Melt Clitoral Stimulator: This is another toy that uses the We-Connect app. It has 12 sensation levels that your partner can control, no matter where in the world they are. Best of all, it’s hand free. It’s available on Amazon for $149.
There are a ton of toys out there and it’s impossible to list them all. Browse online to find the ones that are the best fit for you. Remember that intimacy is more than sex, but a satisfying sex life can definitely improve your relationship and bring you closer together as a couple.
Get support from a qualified, caring therapist in the South Florida area
Intimacy means different things to different people. If you’re feeling like you and your partner aren’t on the same page and are struggling to communicate and connect, couples counseling may help. Your relationship doesn’t need to be in crisis to attend couples counseling.
It is for anyone who wants to improve communication and break unhealthy patterns and roles in the relationship. Having a highly-trained therapist can help you and your partner grow closer together and strengthen your relationship, even if it’s a long-distance one.
The team at Love Discovery is ready to welcome you with open arms. If you’re ready to start therapy to help facilitate healing within yourself and your interpersonal relationships, make an appointment with any of our therapists today. Call 305.605.LOVE (5683).
We are here to help you improve your mental health, your relationship, and support you.