'We spoke only for 30 minutes once a week': Ankur Warikoo shares his long-distance love story with 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 users resonated with Ankur Warikoo’s reflections, noting how distance and limited time can actually strengthen relationships.

One user wrote, “In today’s hyper-connected world, we often take constant communication for granted. It’s the time apart that truly helps us cherish the moments together.” Another pointed out the generational shift, saying, “We Millennials understand this value more—we grew up with limited resources and interactions, unlike today where everything is instant and at our doorstep.”

A third comment read, “Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Having limited time forces us to be intentional with our words and actions—something we often overlook in this always-online culture.”

Echoing the sentiment, one user added, “Powerful takeaway! The less you speak, the more value and impact your words carry—both in personal life and professional spaces.”