How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work

Long distance relationships are definitely risky but because long distance relationships are difficult, doesn't mean they're impossible. Simple adjustments to your attitude and lifestyle can help you keep your loved one in your life.

1 Communicate in some way every day, more than once if possible.

Since you won't be seeing each other, it's important to establish and maintain an emotional connection. These don't always have to be long, in-depth conversations. E-mail is great, so make sure you use it, especially if long-distance phone calls put a strain on your budget.

2 Visit often.

Try to make the time to visit each other as often as possible or as often as your budget permits. A relationship cannot thrive if the only thing you have is the phone call. You need to see each other in person at every opportunity. Visit on a regular schedule if you can; if you can't, make plans for the next visit as soon as each one ends.

3 Get to know each other.

Just like an proximal relationship you'll have to spend some time really getting to know and understand your partner. When talking to your partner, take note of things they enjoy the most (hobbies, day-to-day activities, etc.), and do a little research on it so you have more to do when you see them next. Knowing each other's preferences will also help when you want to exchange gifts.

4 Create trust.

Just as with traditional relationships, trust is incredibly important. Avoid temptations. Try your best to be faithful, lest you destroy the trust on which your relationship relies. Avoid putting yourself in situations where you would be tempted, and let your partner know that there's nothing to worry about. *Don't too anxious or jealous if you don't always know what they are doing. A little space is harmless and will definitely keep things calm.

5 Do things together.

Defy the distance. This will make the distance between you seem smaller and more bridgeable. You'll feel closer together and you'll be bonding at the same time. Read the same book or article. You can even take turns reading it aloud to each other. Watch a TV show or movie simultaneously.

6 Understand what you have.

Ask the important questions right away to make sure you are both clear on the nature of the relationship. Naming your relationship (dating, seeing each other, boyfriend-girlfriend engaged) as well as defining exclusivity (limited to one person) can be difficult and awkward questions to ask, but will save you great heartache and misunderstanding down the line. Stating your end goals and expectations will allow you both to work together to build the relationship you want.

7 Talk about your future together.

Assuming that ultimately you'd want to live together, discussing how you're going to get to that point will help you prove to each other that the relationship is going somewhere and that your efforts and frustrations are not in vain.

8 Stop listening to the haters.

Question advice from people who have never been in a long distance relationship themselves. This may only cause doubt. Everyone has a unique experience of life and their doubts do not dictate your future.