TIPS ON LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS…HOW TO KEEP IT FRESH!

Via WellVuHealth

10 ways to keep it together.

1.Every relationship takes work, and long-distance relationships, like most, require communication, understanding, trust, honesty, fairness, support, respect, commitment and caring to thrive. So how can you keep it together when you’re miles apart?

2.Communicate often. Establish preferred channels and use them regularly. Make plenty of phone dates, but thanks to modern technology there are many ways to stay connected—think MSM, emails, text messaging, even web cams.

3.Share your feelings. Superficial conversation can be so-o-o boring! Sharing a good heart-to-heart is a great way to forge a bond that only you two share.

4.Trust each other. It’s only normal to think about how your significant other spends time without you, but worrying won’t change anything. Trust is essential in any relationship and it’s got to be mutual to be right.

5.Discuss your expectations. Everyone has different needs. The surest way to avoid misunderstandings and disappointments is to talk about your mutual needs and how to meet them.

6.Be fair. It’s probably not a great idea to send a thousand text messages when you know your partner is out with friends or busy cramming for an exam. (Some people might even think it’s a tad annoying!)
Be patient. Time can really drag on when you’re waiting to hear from someone you love. It’s easier to be patient if you’re busy doing things you enjoy, like spending time with friends, joining a club, hitting the gym—even reading a good book.

7.Be supportive. Make it a habit to ask how things are going, and offer praise and encouragement when it feels right. It’s okay to ask for support, too. You can still work through problems together, even when there are miles between you.

8.Remember special days. Write it on your calendar or on your wall, but anniversaries, birthdays and “first times” are dates to look forward to. Celebrate them together by exchanging cards or setting time aside for an extra-long phone call. Or spice things up and send a surprise package, like a CD of all your favorite songs or a great photo of the two of you.

9.Make plans. The time you spend apart won’t seem so endless if you know when you’ll be together again. Even if you have to wait until the end of the semester, there’s nothing like anticipation to keep those fires burning.

10.Stay focused on your time together instead of the time you’re apart. Mark your phone dates on the calendar, set aside a special time to read emails, download your latest photos, work toward a common goal. There are many ways to stay close, in spite of physical distance.