Long-distance relationships are hard enough when you're dating. Imagine doing it after you're married.

Hong Kong star Gigi Leung says that's been the reality for much of her nearly 14-year marriage to Spanish husband Sergio Crespo Gutes.  

The 50-year-old opened up about their relationship while promoting her new single, 'Long Distance’, saying the song's message felt especially relatable.

Gigi met Sergio during a solo trip to Spain in 2011 and he reportedly had no idea Gigi was one of Hong Kong's biggest stars. The couple surprised fans when they tied the knot after just six months of dating and welcomed daughter Sofia in 2015.

No thanks to Gigi's acting and singing career, the couple have often had to live apart. So what's their secret to making it work?

"The most important thing is to trust each other, care for one another all the time, and always consider each other's feelings," she said.

Whenever she's away, Gigi makes it a point to video call her family after work to catch up on each other's day, encourage one another and stay connected.

She added that what matters most isn't the physical distance, but whether both people are willing to put in the effort.

That sentiment is reflected in ‘Long Distance’, which opens with the sound of a phone dialling, to evoke the anticipation of waiting for a loved one to answer. The track closes with a soft "Hola", a detail fans have interpreted as a sweet nod to Sergio.

Gigi laughed that those who know her would understand the significance behind the Spanish greeting.

Though the song is about missing a loved one, Gigi said she hopes listeners will also relate it to family and friends who may be separated by work, school or life, but remain connected despite the distance.

Trust and making time for regular video calls have helped keep Gigi's marriage strong.

Photos: HK01, gigileungwingkei/Instagram