10 Ways To Strengthen Your Long Distance Relationship

Does "absence make the heart grow fonder"? Or, is it more like, "out of sight, out of mind"? People can, and do make long distance relationships work, but it does take effort, especially if you haven’t met in person yet. Since online romances are so popular today, several visitors have asked for advice on how to keep their online love alive. Start by remembering five basic ways to stay in contact: Phone, Mail, Email, Internet, and In Person. How you chose to stay close depends upon finances, time, desire, and your creativity!

1. Time to grow together - Don’t think of this time apart as a negative! Consider it a courtship, a time to learn more about each other: your values, likes/dislikes, goals, dreams, family plans, your history, etc. Really get to know each other. Use the questions for couples book to find out out who he or she really is
2. Phone - Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend on telephone calls. Set time limits so you or your partner don’t become burdened with high bills. Save your money for a visit!
3. Email - Contact your love at least once a day, even if it’s just a short email. Want to add some spice? Send Romantic Emails or funny postcards… all through the Internet, free!



4. Mail - Mail a card to surprise them! Or, better yet… keep postcards and stamps handy so you can mail off a thought whenever you feel like it. Just imagine the smile on his/her face when they pick up their mail!
5. Get creative - Go beyond mailing cards… Mail your love small tokens of your affection. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination: strands of your hair, singles of your favourite songs, photos, a map of your area, your business card, etc. Don’t visit the department store, visit the dime store for great, fun finds!  Even better send them a small bottle of your favorite aftershave or perfume so they can still smell you while you are away.
6. Internet - Create a journal of your love with a web page or site. Include stories, poetry, music clips, pictures, etc. Can’t create a web page? Submit your story, poem, or dedication to us, and we’ll post the page for you!
7. How do I love thee? - Even if you don’t consider yourself a poet, sit down and try to put your thoughts into words. An original poem, straight from the heart, is appreciated and treasured.
8. Picture it - Photos are 2-dimensional. Don’t stop at one picture, send several. This is will give your love more views of you, and your personality. Scan and post them on your web site!
9. In Person - If you feel like it’s the "real deal," then meet in person as soon as you can afford it. There’s just nothing like meeting in person to either cement your feelings, or to help you to move your relationship to friends. Plus, hopefully you will have some nice, warm romantic memories to tide you over between visits.
10. Be Honest - If you decide that you want to move on, or want to date other people, at least be honest. They will respect you much more for your honesty than if you left them believing otherwise for months. Cheating long distance is still cheating.
11. Be Positive - Don’t become so consumed with your love that you don’t live your life while you’re apart. Be a positive person, and enjoy life. This doesn’t mean that you have to date if you don’t want to. But, perhaps you’d enjoy being with your friends and family, or volunteering?
12. Be Supportive, not Jealous - Just because you can’t be with your love, don’t begrudge them good times while you are apart. Be supportive of their efforts, whether it’s school, career, or personal growth. Like the old saying, "If you love something, set it free…… " They will appreciate your attitude, love and support more than if you were jealous, clingy, and depressing.

Editor’s Note: We couldn’t stop at "10" items this time. Alanna Webb is a writer, web developer, and lifelong diehard romantic. Her websites, including LoveStories, have received major media attention. Her passions include her two Shih Tzus, movies, and reading. She may be reached by email.

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