by hh

Created on: June 22, 2007   Last Updated: February 18, 2008

Being in a long distance relationship is something that no one can fully understand unless they have gone through it. In our modern world with the daily advances in technology we are constantly faced with new methods of contacting one another. By a simple e-mail, a phone call, a page or a text are we ever really alone? This answer becomes clear when you part from your loved one.

After being in a long distance relationship for a year now, I'll be the first to say that yes it can work. However, I only wish I had been given better advice. The classic line, "Well if you love one another then it will all work out", doesn't really mean much when you can feel your heart breaking in two when the months go by and you feel like you're drifting from one another.

In order to make things work out, make sure you have a solid foundation. Make sure you know the person and have dated for some time to commit to a long distance relationship. You need time to get to know one another to have shared memories with them because this is what will pull you through the hard times. There will be times when you're on the brink of letting go, but a fond memory and the laughs you shared are what you need to make it work.

Secondly, make sure that the BOTH of you are willing to do ANYTHING to make it work. There are two people in this relationship (hopefully) and you both need to make sure that you are each others rocks. No one can better help you get through it then eachother. You will learn new things about each other. One of you will need a phone call before bed or a morning email just to say..."hey, I'm thinking about you".

Scheduled alone time is a must! When you have a set date and your travel plans are confirmed, you can sit back and go on with your lives and anticipate the day until you can hold the one you love. When your travel plans are up in the air, it only causes more stress for the both of you and doesn't give you a definite date to look forward too. Remember that alone time is extremely important to strengthen your relationship.

A long distance relationship can and WILL work if you have TRUST! Whether you be thousands or hundreds of miles apart it is all numbers if you cannot trust one another. If you are going to sit at home thinking if they're seeing someone else then you are going to drive yourself insane. Although the chances of both of you doing something with someone else is much easier, you couldn't stand the pain you would put your significant other through. There should be no doubt in your mind that you want to be with one another if you're going to have a long distance relationship. That way, the thought of cheating on them to ease your pain does not even enter your mind.

When you are alone, do not try to rush the day counting down how many days you have left before you have to part again. Take the time to catch up and learn about what new things they are growing to love and how they are doing. Do your favourite things with one another. Whether it be relaxing in bed over a bowl of cereal or curling up on the couch watching old movies.

Circumstances are what make us part from one another. However, you must make sure that you are ready to take on a difficult relationship. My best piece of advice is to work twice as hard at it. Then hopefully the day will come when you will get to wake up to that person and spend the rest of your lives together!

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