Lockdown is a tough time for everyone, especially for couples unable to see each other. Luckily, Constance Little from If I Can’t Have You, knows all about loving from a distance, so she’s agreed to share some top tips below on how to keep that flame alive during lockdown

Constance Little here – taking over to help you lot. Better than all books this, books that, blah blah

Are you desperately lonely? Craving to be close to your beloved? Kiss them, hug them? Not to mention the whole pandemic/lockdown thing as well?

Then I've a thread...

1. Send your loved one a playlist comprising of all the songs that remind you of them. 'Every Breath You Take' is a personal favourite. As well as Samuel and mine’s song ‘At Last’. Here's the one I made for him in case you need some inspiration: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5HxJHbZ5gvMHVbyUcIIQRq

2. If that seems too much trouble, send them a homemade card to show how much you miss them. Want to keep things anonymous? Why not try cutting out the lettering from newspapers. They’ll be sure to think it so sweet, and definitely won't be mistaken as a threat.

3. Invite them for an impromptu Zoom date, and make sure to set your background as a big picture of the two of you to set the mood. My favourite one of Samuel and I is one I took while he was sleeping. This will be very romantic and surprising.

4. It’s essential that we all get our daily exercise, so why not join your special person for a walk or jog. It doesn’t matter that they don’t know you’re there. The important thing is that you’re together.

5. Even if you don’t want to exercise, getting fresh air is vital. And why stand outside your own home, when you can stand outside theirs?

6. Is your partner getting bored with the endless lockdown days? Why not get a puzzle made of their face and send it to them as a fun weekend activity. It can match the one you already have!

7. A good old fashioned phone call is a sure way to keep the flames of love alight. It’s not even necessary for you to say a word! Just hearing their voice on the end of the phone will be enough to bring a smile to your face.

8. Sad you can’t go out for a meal? Arrange a delivery to show you're thinking of them. Don't know their address? That's ok! There's loads of ways to find that out, don't be scared to get creative. You can even order the same thing, set the table, and pretend you're together!

To sum up, it doesn’t really matter how you show that special someone you care, the important thing is that you do it. 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗴𝗼.
#IfICantHaveYou https://buff.ly/3rnpd8A