by Sassy Jones

Created on: May 30, 2009

Loving from afar is not very easy, but international relationships can work. There have always been long distance relationships, but the current technology makes having one easier than ever before.

The cornerstone of any good relationship is communication. But when you have to call internationally, there are two main difficulties: price and time differences. Unfortunately, you can't do anything about the time zones. But there are many options for keeping in touch to keep communication flowing. First, of course, is email and instant messengers. Though that's not nearly enough because you want to hear each other's voice. So using a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), such as Skype or Google Talk, is essential. They are both free programs that require nothing more than an Internet connection and a headset that has both a microphone and headphones. You can even use a web-cam to see each other in real time on Skype. There are also options on Skype that allow you to call from your computer to a land line or cell phone for prices much cheaper than the phone companies charge so you, so you can talk while only one of you is tethered to a computer. While it is a different type of way to stay connected, using digital media allows for more constant contact with each other while apart than ever before.

Another thing that is important is realizing that while living in different countries is very difficult, there can be some advantages. Being apart means that you have to learn how to communicate on a different level and in different ways. This can only help a relationship. Because you can only rely on each other's voices, you don't have the body language to read, and so you have to really listen to what the other person is saying as well as say exactly what you mean to say in order to avoid miscommunication. Getting to this point can be frustrating, but the rewards of having great communication skills as a couple far outweigh the frustration it takes to develop them. And that is a skill that it usually takes couples who are physically together years to develop, if they ever do. The distance in this instance can make you a much stronger couple by building a solid communication foundation.

It is also important to be creative when you have an international relationship. You can't leave each other little notes tucked away to be found later or go out on dates. But there are things you can do: some take some planning and others can be more spontaneous. You can listen to music together or watch Youtube videos or create different pictures and send them to each other. You can do a twist on dinner and a movie by calling each other on Skype or Google Talk and then watching a TV show or movie together. There are so many possibilities, and the Internet is open, all you need is a little ingenuity.

Building and keeping a strong international relationship requires creativity and commitment. Yes, it can be difficult at times, but you can foster intimacy and great communication skills while having fun even when you are literally a world apart. Plus, those times when you are able to visit each other are that much more special and makes you appreciate having the other person close that much more.

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