How to make long distance relationship work

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.