How to Make Your Long Distance Relationship a Success

Maybe you have been in a long distance relationship for a year and you're having some problems, or you're thinking about starting one and not sure if it will work, or maybe you and your significant other are going to be separated for a while. No matter what the circumstances of your long distance relationship, this article should give you some advice and tips on how to make your relationship successful. First you will find some basic and general information and advice about long distance relationships. Then you will find six tips to make your relationship a success.

When you enter in a long distance relationship there are a few things you should be aware of. One thing you should be aware of is that most of the things you know about this person you learn from what they tell you. You should be careful of this and look for evidence in their life that supports what they say. Looking at their social network page (i.e. Facebook or Myspace) will tell you a lot about them. If their page looks empty, rather vague, and if certain things have been hidden or blocked from you (photos, tagged posts, statuses, etc.) that is often a sign they are hiding something. Also looking at their friends' pages will help you get a better idea of if they are being honest with you. On the flip side you need to be honest with your significant other and open about your life, past and present. Your relationship will be much smoother if you both can be honest and trust each other from the beginning. Trust and honest are probably the two most important things in a long distance relationship.

Another thing you should be aware of is that it won't be easy. It will be hard and often times lonely, but if the two of you are committed and determined to make it work then it will pay off in the long run. Be prepared to have many lonely nights and days between the times you see each. One positive of not seeing each other is that it gives you more time to spend with friends and family and less of a distraction from school work or other things. Long distance relationships can be hard but if you stay faithful and remember it will worth it, then the two of you can get through it together.

The next important thing you need to be thinking about is do NOT change your whole life for this person. Just like any relationship you will have to make some small changes, sacrifices and compromises but you shouldn't be completely be changing your whole life for them. You still need to spend time with your friends and family and stay focused on your job or school. Eventually you might want to make the sacrifice and move to the area your partner is but that will require a lot of planning. Pay attention to what your friends and family are saying to you. If they think you are changing a lot and become worried about you really should listen to them and examine your life. Next you will find six specific tips on how to make your long distance relationship successful.

1. Establish Expectations Early

This is rather simple. Both of you need to be able to communicate your expectations about important things in your relationship. One big issue you need to discuss is hanging out with members of the opposite sex. Is it appropriate? In what situations? Those are questions that should be asked. Don't be afraid to speak your mind and if you have a certain expectation about something, its best you tell your signification other how you feel earlier rather than later.

2. Consistent Communication

This does not mean constant communication. If you two are always texting, calling, chatting online, etc. your relationship will start controlling your life and can distract you from other things in life you need to be doing. Also the constant, non-stop contact can lead to more arguments and tension in the relationship.

By consistent communication I mean you should both discuss and agree on how much you should be talking. You each need to be willing to sacrifice certain things, not everything, and make compromises about communication. It will relieve tension and prevent a few agreements if you talk about these things and make sure you are setting time aside for your significant other, whether it be daily, weekly, or however often.

3. Do Things Together

Just because you don't see each other much and are distance doesn't mean you can't still do things together; you just need to be a bit more creative. Do you both enjoy playing games? If so there are ways you can play together online. Wildones on Facebook is a favorite of mine. You can also download emulators of game systems, think Sega, Nintendo, etc. and then you will download Roms, which are the games for the system. A simple Google search will give you places to download the games and how to play together. Some other ideas might be reading the same book or watching the same movie and discussing them after. There are many different activities you can do together; you just need to get creative. Make sure it's something you both enjoy and don't be afraid to try new things.

4. Stay Involved in Each Other's Lives

Be sure to ask your significant other about their friends, family, job, pets, hobbies, and anything else that is important to them. It will make you feel closer and like you are still around them. Also make sure you are sharing things in your life with them. Don't just wait for your significant other to ask you questions. Tell them stories about your life to make them feel included. This can also help eliminate some trust issues.

5. Keep Things Interesting

Just like any relationship things can get mundane and predictable. In long distance relationships it is especially important to keep things interesting and remind your significant other how they are special to you. The best way to do this is keep trying new things and surprise each other. Send unexpected letters (snail mail), emails, texts or random phone calls just to hear their voice and say something sweet. You can also send pictures or videos via text message, email, or leave them on their Facebook wall. Sending small gifts in the mail can be good. Just be sure not to get to comfortable in your relationship and forget about the romance.

6. Visit Often

This may be hard depending on circumstances, such as jobs, distance and finances but make your best effort to see each other. This is precious time for you to spend together and enjoy your time together. The time you spend together will be what you hold onto between visits, make sure to do fun and romantic things together. Also during visits you will want to introduce your significant other to friends and family and show them around your hometown.