Long Distance Relationships: 5 Tips for Keeping Strong Across the Miles

These days, more and more people are finding themselves separated from their significant other for any number of reasons. Out of state schooling, a career-related relocation or perhaps you met the person of your dreams on the Internet. Whatever the reason you and your loved one are apart, these quick and simple tips will keep you connected and close despite the distance.

Long Distance Relationship Tip 1: The Daily Routine

Being far apart, it's easy to feel to find yourself struggling to make your significant other a real part of your life. One of the simplest ways to overcome this is to set up a routine with each other. Maybe there's a wake up phone call, or possibly a post-work ritual of discussing your days over a messaging program. Whatever it is and whatever works for you, make it into a regular habit. No matter what is going on that day, you have that special time to look forward to. Even a quick check in before bed every night works, as long as it's constant.

Long Distance Relationship Tip 2: Constant Contact!

When you're separated from the one you love, you're missing out on the "together time" that more traditional couples experience on a daily basis. Without the benefits of touch and physical closeness, you have to make do with words, and accomplishing that closeness with simply words is a difficult task. The goal here is to make your relationship resemble a standard relationship as closely as possible. Call when you're on your way out or when you get home. Set up a Skype account and turn on your web cams while you fiddle around the house at night. You don't always have to talk, just be a presence for the other person. Be available, check in often, keep your partner as informed and up to speed on your life as you would if you were sitting five feet apart.

Long Distance Relationship Tip 3: Plan, plan, plan.

Depending on your specific circumstances, you and your partner can be apart for as little as a week at a time to as long as months or years on end. If you're going to be separated for a significant length of time, it can seem endless and nearly unbearable. A good tip here is to never leave each other's presence without a plan. A plan for a visit, or even your plan to bring you back together permanently. Never leave each other's presence without knowing exactly when the next time will be. If you can see each other every weekend, great. Look forward to Friday night all week! If the distance involves more travel and special planning, look at airline tickets and travel costs together and start the countdown of days. Even if it's 30, 60, 100 days before you're going to see each other again, being able to put a number on it and feel the anticipation build as the days click down will not only make the time go faster, but bring you closer as you discuss your future.

Long Distance Relationship Tip 4: Ignore the Naysayers

Inevitably, no matter what kind of long distance relationship you're in, there are going to be doubters in your life. Usually people who only have your best interests at heart, they will continue to point out to you the difficulty of your situation, and suggest that maybe you should meet new, local people. Don't listen to them. You and your partner are just as valid a couple as any other two people in the world. What happens in your relationship is your business, and your business alone. Do not feel hesitant to bring up your significant other in conversation with your friends, or allow them to talk ill of your relationship. Your partner is a significant and important person in your life, and it is your right to have that respected. When faced with doubters, simply put your foot down firmly and let them know that you'd appreciate their support. Don't feel the need to defend yourself or your relationship - when all else fails, simple remove yourself from the uncomfortable situation.

Long Distance Relationship Tip 5: Take advantage

When the topic of long distance relationships comes up, it seems that the main focus is always on the difficulties and drawbacks. Instead of dwelling on those points, take advantage of the best opportunity that time apart gives you. Without physical contact and closeness to fall back on, all you and your partner have are your words. Despite claims that you can't really know someone unless you've spent significant time around them, the reality is quite different. When conversation is all you have, the depths to which two people reveal themselves to one another and make meaningful connections is surprising. By taking advantage of your time apart to really get to know each other on a deeper level, you're building the foundation for a stronger relationship down the road. When you're together in person, your time will be filled with activities, friends and family, chores and errands. All of those things have their place, of course, but cannot replace simply sitting down with your partner to really talk. Take advantage of your time apart to build a better future.

While long distance relationships are hardly the ideal for anyone, sometimes they are inevitable. Though the time and distance may seem insurmountable, by keeping in contact, making each other part of your daily lives and keeping an eye on the future, you may just come out a stronger couple for it at the end.