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You live in one city and the one you love is across the country. Family obligations or work keeps each of you tethered to your towns but you are determined to hang on and somehow make your relationship work. Some people might think this sounds like heartbreak and torture and consider all long distance dating to be doomed. For others, long distance dating is romantic and somehow they make it work for them. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of a faraway romance.
Same Wavelength
When you start a long distance romance, pick a moment to talk about the ground rules. Know that particularly when you are miles apart, open communication can mean the difference between remaining a couple and throwing in the towel. Decide whether you will date each other exclusively, discuss how often you will talk and when you will see each other again. Make sure you share the same expectations as your partner and then try to live up to them.
Green-Eyed Monster
Trust is perhaps the most important aspect of a long distance relationship. Loyalty and mutual understanding are key to making the relationship work, especially when you don't get to see each other every week. When you don't get to see your heart's desire very often, it is easy for your mind to play tricks on you. You start to imagine all the worst reasons why your partner is not picking up the phone when you call. Don't let jealousy get the best of you. If you begin to have doubts, talk about it with your partner. If you truly think your love is cheating on you, call her on it. There is no doubt that distance can make dating difficult but if you work together, it can be fulfilling for both of you.
Keep In Touch
Unless you make an effort, it's easy for your partner to lose track of your daily life and soon you may find you have little to talk about. Use the phone, email or snail mail to reach out and do it often. Send a surprise package. Write an email to tell her your plans. Make sure to update her on the latest events, frustrations or successes. All it takes is a text to tell her how your big presentation went and it will make her feel part of your daily life.
Distance Dates
Technology does wonders for keeping love alive across the miles. The phone has long been a tool for distance lovers who long to hear each other's voices. Now, video conferencing means you can make a date to see each other as well. Use technology to "be together" even if you are far apart. Make a plan to have dinner "together". Open a nice bottle of wine and toast each other via video. Pick a book that you both want to read and read to each other before bed each night. Cuddle up in your pajamas with a bowl of popcorn to watch a favorite classic movie at the same time. Take your laptop out under the stars and talk about which constellations you can spot. You may find you don't feel so far away after all.
Editor, 11/01/2012
