Keeping Long Distance Relationships Alive

Relationships are hard work, and a long distance relationship is still more complicated. As difficult as they are, long distance relationships are becoming more common. You can enter one voluntarily, perhaps when you meet someone on the internet. Or you may be in a long distance relationship involuntarily, because one or both of you is in the military and has been deployed far away. Read on for long distance relationship advice that can help.

Challenges in long distance relationships

If you're in a long distance relationship you are certainly aware of the challenges listed below. But maybe there are a few insights you haven't considered.

Distance may not be the biggest challenge in long distance relationships

The first challenge to come to mind in a long distance relationships is, well, distance. You're not in the same geographic area. You can't take spontaneous walks in the park. You can't go out for coffee and spend an hour talking under a sidewalk umbrella.

Remember this important bit of long distance relationship advice - if you were together you might not be doing those things, either. There are plenty of people in the same geographic area who take each other for granted and let their relationships become stale. Distance isn't necessarily the challenge - maintaining closeness is.

Trust is a challenge in long distance relationships

Trust can be difficult in a long distance relationship. We don't realize how much we depend on body language to build trust. You can hear the words "I love you" in a telephone call, but they have much more impact when you hear them while you're hugging.

Another piece of long distance relationship advice - a long distance relationship has to be built on trust and requires even more honesty. Without trust and honesty the relationship is in danger, just as it would be if you were in the same geographic area. Having faith in your partner is part of the challenge of living in a long distance relationship.

If your partner is in the military you have to trust not only in them, but also in the training they received to keep them safe.

Communication is key in long distance relationships

You have to communicate often. You and your partner need to feel like you're part of each other's life. Try to be open and honest in your communications without complaining about the situation.

If your partner is in the military, you don't have a choice about being in a long distance relationship, and complaining about it only makes things worse. If you're in a long distance relationship by choice, you have good reasons for being apart. More long distance relationship advice - try and remember why your relationship has to be long distance, and embrace the opportunities that are available to you.

It used to be that letters were the only communication tools available in long distance relationships. But now we have email, web cams, digital photos, and satellite telephones. Try to take advantage of as many of the current tools as possible.

Creating shared memories is important in long distance relationships

Creating shared memories may be the hardest part of being in a long distance relationship. Most of your experiences, especially if your partner is in the military, are probably not very pleasant. However, if possible, try some of these things.

Do the same thing at the same time, then talk about the experience the next time you call or email. If your partner is in the military it could be something as simple as looking at the moon for 15 minutes at a specific time, thinking of your partner. For other long distance relationships, you might try playing cards or games over the internet. You could watch a movie "together" by renting the same movie, starting at the same time, and talking on the phone while it's going on. You can make gifts for each other, or create a list of things to do together. And don't forget to send lots of cards and e-cards.

Loneliness is a challenge in long distance relationships

Long distance relationships involve two people who share an interest in each other lives, care for one another and of course have a love for each other that they hope will only continue to grow. Loneliness can be a huge problem. All you can really do is be aware of it, and try to stay busy.

A long distance relationship requires a special commitment and understanding that can test love like no other type of relationship can. It requires constant communication and a desire to continually create your relationship, using the only real tool you have... your words. Long distance relationship advice tip - don't give up on what you have because you're focussed on what you don't have.

Long distance relationships can work; they just need extra effort and some planning. When you understand how fortunate you are to have this person in the relationship who is willing to do whatever it takes to make it work, you won’t waste another minute regretting what you don't have.

Yes, there are days when you feel lonely. There are moments when you long for a touch instead of a call. Still, your bond endures.

The best possible long distance relationship advice? Remember that, whether separated by an ocean or an outlook, the shortest distance between two hearts is love.