Long distance relationships can be hard. I mean, you're living in one city and your loved one in another. I've been in a long distance relationship, and it's not fun by any means.

For the better part of 2007, my beau was either in another city, hours away, or on "vacation." We spent very little time together, except for phone calls, letters, and such. But, we were able to make it through. The hardest part, is being a part.

For many people, being a part from your loved one, makes the heart grow stronger and fonder.

How you deal with being a part from your loved one depends solely on how you feel about the separation.

If you were brought up in a family where absence of a parent or loved one was normal, then time apart may not be that big of a deal for you. But, if your parents were always with each other when you were living at home, you may not understand the idea of the temporary time apart.

If in the past you have had someone you care about say that they would be gone temporarily but never returned; you may see the separation as the beginning of the end.

Love is an idea, thought, or emotion that is both physical and mental, if the love is strong enough, the separation should not be a threat to your emotional security. If you look at the separation as a temporary phase; it may be easier to cope with versus looking at it in a long term view.

If you are the one who is leaving, you may see the advantages as more important for the time being and as a means to make the future better. You'll get to see new places, new people, and maybe a new job opportunity. But, the disadvantages are just as important to your relationship; you'll be missing your home, friends, and family. You'll have to deal with the loneliness of not having your loved one with you.

If you are the one who's staying at home, you have the advantage of familiar surroundings and the support from friends and family. But, you may see that you were abandoned. This will be a time for new experiences; change up the every day life a little. The more you get on your feet and go, the less you'll be thinking about the separation.

The key to long distance relationships is to talk- be honesty and open about how you feel. Try not to fall into a trap of pretending its ok while you hide the loneliness and fear or letting the resentment slip out. Make sure to be open minded at the change because you aren't the only one that's having to cope, your loved one is too.

Make sure to be honest.

Make sure that your share your feelings about the separation and distance- pros and cons. You will be able to support and reassure you and your partner that the relationship will last through this rough spot.

Make sure to keep the communication going.

Stay in touch regularly. This is definitely the most important key to any long distance relationship.

Consider:

• Email, telephone, text messages, letters, video conferences, etc.
• Send little gifts that remind you of your loved one.
• Make surprise calls just to say "I love you."
• Send pictures by mail and email. Consider videos and webcams, as well.

When you finally get to spend time together after a long separation, more than likely you both have built up expectations and anxiety. Just remember that the reality does not always match the idea, so try not to get disappointed when things don't end up exactly as you had hoped.