How to survive a long distance relationship

A long distance relationship is difficult but not impossible. Use these proven tips to keep your long distance relationship healthy, and your partner happy (even if they live far, far away)...

If the two of you know what the other expects out of this relationship, it will be easier to keep things on track despite the distance.

It’s natural to feel jealous. It’s okay to feel possessive. It’s what you do with that emotion that makes a difference here.

Trusting someone means giving them space when they need it. Constantly pestering each other will only cause arguments and disagreements, and I don’t have to tell you that having an argument over the phone or over e-mail can sometimes be much, much worse than having one in real life.

You want to avoid these disagreements as much as possible. Your long-distance relationship depends on it.

So the next time you feel jealous, instead of asking him or her, “What did you do last night? Were you with another girl/guy?”

…don’t. Instead, turn this emotion into something positive and tell your partner that you’ve missed them.

Unless you two want to have a cyber relationship for the rest of your lives (no offence if you’re into that sort of thing), you’re going to have to first talk about when the whole “distance thing” is going to end.

Even if it’s a long way away, figure out your end goal and keep that in mind as you move forward. Use this as your motivation. Think how good it’s going to feel once you two have weathered this tough time and can finally reunite!

Talk about this time with your partner and tell him or her how excited and happy you’ll feel once this moment comes.

This is one of the most important steps. Make time for some visits. Now, I have no idea how far you two will be apart or how much time and money you have to make this happen, but if this person is worth it, you’ll make it work.

Physical contact is so important in a relationship, and in fact, studies show that physical contact may be the basis of attraction, so capitalize on this info!

And make these reunions mean something. Make sure your time is spent well and that these reunions are full of quality time.

Yes, sex is extremely important during these times, so make sure you have great sex (and a lot of it!).

These days you don’t have to let the distance get in the way of “hanging out.” Here are a few things you can do that will make you feel like you’re in the same place:

Cue up a movie on Netflix and watch it together over Skype. You may not be able to share popcorn but you can still experience it together.
Give them a tour of your city over FaceTime. Show them your favourite spots and places you’ll take them when they visit.
Like video games? You can play together online. Even if you’re not a hardcore gamer, there are board games like Scrabble and chess that have web versions.