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How to Make a Long-Distance Relationship Last

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(103 Ratings)
Make a Long-Distance Relationship Last
Make a Long-Distance Relationship Last

Whoever first said that absence makes the heart grow fonder never contended with the weekend airport rush. Here are some ways to hold on to your long-distance lover - and your sanity.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Keep in touch daily. If large phone bills are a concern, send e-mail, letters, cards and even faxes.

  2. Step 2

    Plan reunions to keep both of you pleased about the relationship. If your partner needs closeness, set up plans to meet often. Having a date to look forward to can help you through the rough times.

  3. Step 3

    Reaffirm your love and commitment to one another. Try not to assume that the relationship is thriving. Listen to your partner's concerns and communicate your own before they become bigger problems.

  4. Step 4

    Keep your partner informed about your life. You may live separately, but sharing information about your activities and friends is still important.

  5. Step 5

    Trust in one another. Suspicion will only break the relationship down.

  6. Step 6

    Keep the relationship a high priority. Avoid canceling reunions or putting off a phone call.

  7. Step 7

    Focus on the future. Make plans to live in the same city eventually.

Tips & Warnings
  • Plan a reunion in a city other than the ones you live in. Having a weekend getaway or vacation together can help recharge the relationship and reinforce your commitment.
  • Find ways to reduce the costs of travel and phone calls so you can meet and talk more often.
  • Surprise your loved one with an unexpected visit or a bouquet of flowers to keep the passion alive.
  • Be patient - it may take time for long-term plans to work out.
  • Consider other creative means of expressing your devotion: Scrawl confessions on a mirror, fan or piece of cloth. Fire off a quick succession of postcards.

Comments  

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on 11/4/2009 Some useful tips here. For a little more detail and practical examples from my own experience (currently living more than 10, 000 miles from my partner and we are happier than i ever thought we could be) try http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-make-my-long-distance-relationship-work

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on 6/14/2009 Me and my current ex had dated for 4 months. We lasted so long because of the fact that we loved one another and got along so well. We have never physically met one another though. We got to know one another on the mental, emotional level first. We have seen TONS of pictures of each other and we talk now most of the time. I broke up with him about a month ago because our long distance relationship was hurting my focus in school. I was not mentally prepared or experienced with a long distance relationship yet. I want to get back with him now that I feel I am ready and he wants to get back with me too..but for some reason he's hesitant about the whole idea, thats what i think he feels...we were actually planning a future together, like getting married and having kids and stuff. I want to spend the rest of my life with Manuel. He's my world. But I dont like it when he calls me when he's...

roger10 said

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on 6/8/2009 There are important questions that most people don't even think of asking but are absolutely necessary if you want to have a happy relationship, (see http://kl.am/happyrelationship) After going through these questions, you will really know the things your sweetheart is passionate about. You will know how you can give them much joy and happiness.

ruf1950 said

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on 5/24/2009 Very much to-the-point and well written article on how to make a long distance relationship last. Check out my article called How to Find Success in a Long Distance Relationship, regarding my present VERY long distance relationship... My fiancee is about 7,000 miles away, yet we've managed to keep it strong for over 2 years now. We marry in July. 5***** and a recommend!

kimmybee said

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on 4/24/2009 Try to send your LDR with pictures of you in an event/party or activity you did. This way your LDR would feel that you include him/her in your life by sharing those moments. He/she will also think that you can be trusted while you two are apart.

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