by Will Koz

Created on: January 10, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

Remember this: You can make them work. It's hard, but if you and your significant other are really meant to be together, you can survive the hardships of a long distance relationship. They're usually not easy, but I'm going to list some advice that will hopefully help. I have been in a long distance relationship of a few years, and these are some of my observations.

1. Talk often, but don't be obsessive. It's important to keep up a constant stream of communication, however, avoid having to know EVERYTHING about what your significant other is doing and who he/she is doing them with. If you require them to tell you every time they decide to step out of the house, it's going to cause resentment and make talking to you a pain.

2. If you get in an argument or a fight, and it will happen, don't let things hang on that note for too long. It's best to solve a problem before you hang up the phone. If that's not possible, call back as soon as you can. If they want time to think about things, give them some time, but don't go for days without speaking after a fight. Do not, for any reason, hang up on them. If he/she hangs up on you, call back as soon as possible.

3. Letters are great. Phone conversations are important, but letters give your significant other something to read and reread whenever they want. During periods of time when you can't speak, he/she can pull out an old letter. E-mails are good for this too...but letters are better.

4. It is hard not to do this, but avoid getting jealous and suspicious whenever your significant other mentions that they went somewhere with/had a conversation with someone of the opposite sex. It's hard to do...because of course you're going to get jealous. You can joke about it, but if you are constantly being suspicious about every person of the opposite sex he/she mentions...and it shows...it's going to look like you have no trust in him/her. Have a little faith.

5. Tell them how you feel about them whenever you get the chance. Don't get excessively romantic...and there is such a thing as excessive, but don't forget to tell your significant other that you miss them often.

6. Never give up hope! Long distance relationships are hard, but definitely possible to maintain. If you give up trying to make things work...things will stop working. If you two are meant to be together, then things will work out.

These are some observations from my own experience. I hope they help!

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