1. Regular Communication. With the likes of Skype
and G-Chat we have finally reached theJetson era where you can actually
talk to someone and see them — for free! If you are in a LDR, you must
frequently take advantage of this, but it should not feel like a chore.
It must be natural, with a yearning to hear from your beloved and share
your experiences that occurred during the day. You can even have fun by
sending random texts letting your beloved know just how special they
are to you, or that you were thinking of them.
2. Have an End Date for the LDR. An LDR should not
be indefinite… This can and will be trouble eventually. It’s best to
know that the current situation is not permanent and there should be a
goal in mind as to when the torture of the LDR will end and the two of
you will be reunited in the same area code.
3. Plan Regular Visits. My suggestion is to not
stay apart for more than 30 days. Each time you see each other, make
sure you have already planned the next visit. It gives you both
something to look forward to and prevents you from feeling that “this
is the end” after each visit. More importantly, it keeps the
relationship alive and keeps it from becoming an “imaginary
relationship.”
4. Trust is King. This is a hard one because trust requires a vulnerable willingness
and often takes time to develop. However, the truth of the matter is
that you have no other option but to trust the person you’re with if
you are going to choose to be in an LDR. Without this, an LDR is
fruitless. To assist with this, communication is key. You must speak up
when something is bothering you.
5. Beware. If you have a propensity for cheating,
stay away from LDRs. In fact, stay away from dating for awhile and
really work on this characteristic of yourself. Cheating is not cool.
6. Be Creative. Find ways to let your special
someone know that they mean the world to you. Whether it is sending
them a bouquet of flowers, a handwritten note or a care package, here’s
your chance to make the weakness of distance a strength and capitalize
on being romantic.