How to Keep an Online Relationship Going
5 min read · 中文版
You met online and clicked. How do you keep it going? The big challenge is that you only know each other through a screen. These ideas help turn online chemistry into a real relationship.
Find a comfortable rhythm
You don't need to be online every minute, but agree on a steady rhythm, like a chat before bed each day and a video call once or twice a week.
Steady matters more than constant: they should know when they can reach you.
More video, less text alone
Text is easily misread and hides what someone is really like. Regular video calls let you see each other's expressions, tone and life.
Our first video call guide has ideas for what to talk about.
Do things together
Watch the same film, play the same game or read the same book, then talk about it; send a small gift for their birthday or a festival.
Shared experiences bring you closer and give you new things to talk about.
Meet early, and stay alert
An online relationship needs meeting in person to confirm it. If things are going well, plan a meeting in a public place; see our guide to meeting a long-distance match.
If they keep refusing video calls, always have a reason not to meet, or start mentioning loans or investments, stop right away and read our romance-scam guide.
Frequently asked questions
We've run out of things to talk about. What now?
Do something together: watch the same show, swap photos of your day, or talk about places you'd like to visit together.
How soon should we meet?
There's no set time. After a few video calls and once you've confirmed what you both want, think about meeting; waiting too long can create a gap between image and reality.
They never want to video-call. Is that normal?
No. People who are serious are usually happy to video-call. If they keep avoiding it, be on your guard and don't send money.
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