Comments on How to Make a Long-Distance Relationship Last

My boyfriend lives in Ireland and I live in NY. We use an amazing program called Skype - which you can download - to talk for free online instead of paying for phone cards. Also, buy web cams! Make it a priority to stay involved in each other's lives, talk every day. It's significantly easier to leave at the end of a visit if you've already set the date of the next trip. Have a plan for when you can finally be together on a more permanent basis - you'll both need something to look forward to. Long distance relationships are so hard, but unbelievably rewarding in the end. There's no clearer sign that you're meant for each other than surviving that kind of struggle together.

I started dating my husband-to-be just a week before he had to leave for Asia.We have been in a LDR for over a year, visiting each other three times a year and waiting when his work is over (2007). Of course we are using Skype, MSN, ICQ, IM - whatever we can, we downloaded all of the stuff in case something wouldn't work. Web-cam is a need, texting and emailing is an every-day lovely stereotype we have. As we didn't have a lot of time to get to know each other, I decided to write a little questionnaires for him and send 10 or 15 questions over to him for a couple of days. I tried to make it a bit funny and predict his answers or I asked questions like "How many fillings does he have/or I have." The creativity is upon you, it could be fun, you can get to know each other better and you have one more activity to share together.

I started dating my husband-to-be just a week before he had to leave for Asia.We have been in a LDR for over a year, visiting each other three times a year and waiting when his work is over (2007). Of course we are using Skype, MSN, ICQ, IM - whatever we can, we downloaded all of the stuff in case something wouldn't work. Web-cam is a need, texting and emailing is an every-day lovely stereotype we have. As we didn't have a lot of time to get to know each other, I decided to write a little questionnaires for him and send 10 or 15 questions over to him for a couple of days. I tried to make it a bit funny and predict his answers or I asked questions like "How many fillings does he have/or I have." The creativity is upon you, it could be fun, you can get to know each other better and you have one more activity to share together.

My boyfriend and I were dating for 8 months before we left our hometown to attend different schools in California and Texas, respectively. Even just the first day was horrible, feeling disconnected and lost without each other. But if there's enough love in a relationship, then it's definitely worth it to have continue things long-distance. We both have microphones, so we can chat on AIM as if we were talking on the phone...and it's free. I brought along my web cam, so when we use Yahoo Messenger, he can see my emotions as I read things he writes. Photos taken with my digital camera help him to see what I get to look at around campus, and it also records videos so I'll either record myself being silly or record something I think he will like. Daily email isn't a necessity, and it can be a big burden that you resent, but each partner should make an attempt to e-mail at least 2-3 times a week (basically every other day if possible). E-mails don't have to be lengthy odes to your love -- they can just be a summary of your day with commentary (e.g. "and you would have died laughing when..."). It helps your partner feel more involved in your life, and definitely lets him know that you're thinking of him. Other options include sending a fun, animated e-card (search Google for free ones), passing along a link to an interesting article or website, sending lyrics or poetry, mp3s...there are many options, so just get creative! Before my boyfriend left, I bought a decorative box from a craft store and filled it with things I thought he would like: a AAA travel book for Southern California, a Beatles T-shirt, an armadillo (stuffed animal) sprayed with my perfume to remind him of me and his hometown, little handwritten notes folded into different shapes, and lots of personally made soap in cool colors and scents. Little things like that can be useful or just take up space on a desk -- but either way, your partner will be reminded of you upon looking at those things. Of course, there is nothing quite like being with each other in person, but you just have to remember this distance is temporary and only physical. Love doesn't adhere to boundaries of miles or kilometers, time zones or national borders. If you trust each other enough and are honest with your feelings, then the distance won't overwhelm you. Until you meet again, stay busy in your own life, too. Get involved in your community, take up new hobbies, hang out with friends and family, study for your classes, focus on your career -- these things will help you feel more accomplished and will help boost your happiness. Plus, it gives you more to share with your significant other, instead of mourning your separation together. Keep your head up, and remember that you are very loved...and that's nothing to despair about.

My boyfriend and I were dating for 8 months before we left our hometown to attend different schools in California and Texas, respectively. Even just the first day was horrible, feeling disconnected and lost without each other. But if there's enough love in a relationship, then it's definitely worth it to have continue things long-distance. We both have microphones, so we can chat on AIM as if we were talking on the phone...and it's free. I brought along my web cam, so when we use Yahoo Messenger, he can see my emotions as I read things he writes. Photos taken with my digital camera help him to see what I get to look at around campus, and it also records videos so I'll either record myself being silly or record something I think he will like. Daily email isn't a necessity, and it can be a big burden that you resent, but each partner should make an attempt to e-mail at least 2-3 times a week (basically every other day if possible). E-mails don't have to be lengthy odes to your love -- they can just be a summary of your day with commentary (e.g. "and you would have died laughing when..."). It helps your partner feel more involved in your life, and definitely lets him know that you're thinking of him. Other options include sending a fun, animated e-card (search Google for free ones), passing along a link to an interesting article or website, sending lyrics or poetry, mp3s...there are many options, so just get creative! Before my boyfriend left, I bought a decorative box from a craft store and filled it with things I thought he would like: a AAA travel book for Southern California, a Beatles T-shirt, an armadillo (stuffed animal) sprayed with my perfume to remind him of me and his hometown, little handwritten notes folded into different shapes, and lots of personally made soap in cool colors and scents. Little things like that can be useful or just take up space on a desk -- but either way, your partner will be reminded of you upon looking at those things. Of course, there is nothing quite like being with each other in person, but you just have to remember this distance is temporary and only physical. Love doesn't adhere to boundaries of miles or kilometers, time zones or national borders. If you trust each other enough and are honest with your feelings, then the distance won't overwhelm you. Until you meet again, stay busy in your own life, too. Get involved in your community, take up new hobbies, hang out with friends and family, study for your classes, focus on your career -- these things will help you feel more accomplished and will help boost your happiness. Plus, it gives you more to share with your significant other, instead of mourning your separation together. Keep your head up, and remember that you are very loved...and that's nothing to despair about.

Through the thick and thin, weeks may go by where you feel stressed or scared things are going wrong, relax and take a breath and realize everything is fine, be strong, don't give up, it's worth it in the end. If it doesn't work out at, least you tried. Think positive.

I started dating my boyfriend 2 weeks before he left. We are both shy and don't talk much, so e-mails are great to get to know each other. We meet in person every month or two, which isn't too much. I think it is better than a standard relationship as we are getting to know each other well and really look forward to being with each other. It's nice being able to do our own things with friends, and we're very honest about it. There are some things that are best said in person, while others are easier via e-mail. We are both busy and it is convenient to e-mail/text, rather than try to arrange mutually convenient times. We have had some troubles with his family and friends taking up all his time when he is here. But now I go along and join in whatever they are up to.

Talk to your partner about doing a "Role Play" together. Send a setting in an e-mail as well as a opening paragraph on where this is happening, what time it is, and in some cases when it is (such as in the future). Be sure to include personal thoughts from time to time. Write it paragraph by paragraph alternating who wrote it.