'We spoke only for 30 minutes once a week': Ankur Warikoo shares his long-distance love story with a lesson for couples in marriage or relationship

In an age of instant messaging, video calls, and constant notifications, maintaining a relationship can feel overwhelming. Ankur Warikoo recently took to LinkedIn to share a personal story that flips this notion on its head. Back in 2002, while he was in the US, he and his now-wife Ruchi were in a long-distance relationship. Due to expensive international calls, they could speak for just 30 minutes once a week — a constraint that, surprisingly, strengthened their bond.

Every Thursday, Ankur would call Ruchi on her landline, knowing precisely how precious those 30 minutes were. There was no lingering conversation or endless texting; they were forced to focus, choosing their words carefully and cherishing the time together. This scarcity, he reflects, made them appreciate each other and kept the connection intentional and meaningful.


He points out that relationships today are often harder because partners are constantly in each other’s digital presence, leaving little room for reflection or personal space. Before becoming a partner, he emphasises, individuals need to first become friends with themselves, allowing time to process emotions and experiences.


Ankur asks readers to imagine how different things would be if couples today only had 30 minutes a week together. Would arguments still flare up so easily? Would small gestures of love be more deliberate? The lesson is clear: constant accessibility isn’t always beneficial. Space and longing, he suggests, can deepen love and foster appreciation.


Internet reacts
Many resonated deeply with Ankur Warikoo’s reflection, noting that distance can be a quiet teacher in love. They observed that space fosters patience, presence, and an appreciation for every shared moment. Some wondered if relationships today struggle because constant access is often mistaken for true intimacy. Others highlighted that in the past, brief, costly calls carried weight, longing, and meaning, whereas today’s endless mobile and messaging conversations can dilute that depth. They emphasised that sometimes it’s not the length but the scarcity of communication that strengthens bonds.