How to Set Rules for a Long Distance Relationship

When it comes to long distance relationships, everyone has a different idea of how they expect things to work. Some people are fine despite the distance, while others may run into trouble when far from their partners. Setting rules to cover the distance is a good way to lay the foundation for a healthy relationship, and should be something that all couples think about.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Share your feelings with each other. When it comes to long distance relationships, communication is the key to making it work. While you're together, sit down and discuss your fears and concerns about long distance relationships. You may find that you share some common ground.
2. Make it a point to converse every day. Three hour phone calls may not be feasible, but that doesn't mean that you can't chat a little each day. Emails and text messages are a great alternative and cost little to nothing each month. Video chats are another great alternative when you can't see each other face to face.
3. Stay close in spirit when you can't be close in person. There are many ways to stay close to your partner without being in the same city. Plan a date night, where you both go out and eat at the same restaurant or see the same movie. Then call each other afterward to chat about the plot.
4. Draw your boundaries ahead of time. If you both decide to see other people, lay it all out before the move. Agree on rules for casual dating and when it's time to let the other person know that things have gotten serious. Not all long distance relationships work, so it's important to know when to call it quits.