How to Get Better at Keeping in Touch

Long-distance relationships often become difficult for family members and friends. Even if you desire to stay in touch, work, family and friends you see regularly may distract you from your goal. The other person may be great at staying in touch, but you may need to improve.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make a birthday calendar to use year after year. Birthday calendars list the dates of the month, but not the specific day. Instead of transferring important events like anniversaries or birthdays each new year, flip back to January.
2. Set up a phone date. Long distance relationships depend upon frequent communication with the other person. To avoid playing phone tag, set up a regular time to talk. Schedule 30 minutes to an hour depending on how frequently you chat to allow ample time for the conversation.
3. Be friends on MySpace or Facebook. Social networking sites allow you to post pictures and updates, plus give you the option to keep your life private from strangers while sharing with friends. Other options include birthday updates and the ability to send bulletins to all of your friends.
4. Send cards or e-cards for no apparent reason. "Thinking of you" cards help maintain long-distance relationships. Don't just rely on the note included; take a minute and jot down a memory or share something new.
5. Plan reunions to get together. The length of time between visits depends on the type of relationship. High school buddies may do well with a get-together once every five years, where couples may need to rendezvous once a month. Sometimes meeting halfway provides a great vacation for both parties and allows you to reconnect.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the schedule tool on your cell phone to remind you of upcoming phone dates.