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Absence makes the heart grow fonder – allegedly, but it cannot be denied that being in a long distance relationship can be really tough at times.
It’s a phenomenon that more and more of us are finding ourselves in; going to different universities, being priced out of London, and online dating are just some of the reasons that contribute to the fact that many people are now in long distance relationships.
But the advent of new technology has made it slightly easier to ease those periods you spend away from your partner, with some offering quirky new ways to keep in contact.
Here’s a list of some of the best apps out there:
Couple
Available on iOS and Android
Couple is more than just a messaging service; it creates a private social network between the two of you. The app allows you to send your loved one messages, photos and videos as well as setting up a shared calendar for you to sync events and create to-do lists together. Couple’s USP is in its interactive features, such as the Live Sketch feature that allows the two of you to draw pictures together, and ‘Thumb Kiss’ – when each user places their thumb on the same space on their touch screen, both phones will vibrate as if you’ve just kissed. Awwwh.
Without: Free
Available on iOS
Much like Couple, Without allows you to connect with only one other person. The app has a feature which allows you to tap a button and send your partner a cute message, and updates you on what the weather’s like in your loved one’s location. Without counts how many days the two of you have been apart by using your phone’s Bluetooth to detect when you are near each other.
HeyTell
Available on iOS and Android
HeyTell lets you send high quality voice recordings anywhere around the world for free. It’s quicker than a text message and uses less data than sending an email, so you can listen to your partner’s voice at any time. Ideal if you’re in completely separate time zones, meaning Skype calls are out of the question.
Rabbit
Available on iOS and Android
And no, we don’t mean the Ann Summers dating app… Rabbit is perfect for couples who love a good Netflix binge. The site allows you to create a room where you can invite up to 25 people inside and video chat. So far, so Skype – but Rabbit’s USP lies in its ability for those inside a room to share a screen in real time, letting couples watch their favourite shows together at the same time – so the pair of you can still have a date night no matter how many miles away you are from each other.
My Day
Available on iOS and Android
The countdown app lets you keep track of special events either of you may have coming up – from anniversaries to holidays together, My Day counts right to the second until the day in question. The app enables push notifications for you to get a reminder about what’s coming up, and can be set as a widget on your home screen - so you can get a reminder of your beau whenever you look at your phone.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Bumble, the feminist dating app