"And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."

-Khalil Gibran

As if maintaining a relationship with someone within your neighborhood isn't hard enough, try adding states, countries or even oceans between the two of you. Most people would be a bit skittish about having a relationship with someone miles away, what with no kissing, hugging and what not. The thing is, nobody said it was easy... but that doesn't render it impossible to work out. Take it from me. My beau and I have to withstand months without seeing each other since I'll be in Manila for a couple of months for my M.A. while he'll be here to continue his studies. And it takes more than just trust, loyalty and a mobile phone to make a relationship of this sort thrive and survive.

• Know where you're heading - It takes more than just a silver lining to make this work out. And here's where most long distance relationships have the whole crash-and-burn finale: They don't set the necessary parameters like naming their relationship and what they want to get out of it. First and foremost, try to determine what you both have in between you... are you dating exclusively? or just plain dating? Are you planning on a long term engagement while you're both finishing school or earning enough for the both you? Try asking him what he expects out of this relationship and where this will lead the both of you. Awkward, I know but it's better you find out soon than later to avoid possible heart aches.
• Talk about the future - Nothing could assure your other half than talking about your future together, that is, if you're both certain where you are both really headed. Assure him or her that whatever you're doing right now is beneficial for the future you have together.
  
• "Burn" the phone lines - Nookie on the phone (or by any other means of communication) is more than possible. All you have to be is to be more experimental and daring. (well, according to a friend of mine anyway... I have yet to try... )
  
• Defy distance - you talk when you're together and you talk even more when you're miles apart. Break the monotony of having a convo online or on the phone by engaging in activities with each other. My beau and I even sleep at the same time on the phone. It got to the point that I can no longer sleep without hearing him snore on the other line. And it doesn't end there. Try watching movies simultaneously. or spice up chat time by pitting against each other or teaming up to battle other people online in video games. MMORPG'S aren't just for geeks and kids. For now, I recommend CT Special Force. You can download it here but mind you, it requires a bigger memory than your laptop can offer.
• Maintain the connection - Constant communication is the key. Keep each other posted with little triumphs, tragedies and those quirky little things that happen to you everyday. Be each others support hotline when things go awry with either one of you. And never be too busy to let each other know that you're thinking of each other. What's a a minute in sending a quirky yet sweet text message to let him or her know that he or she's not forgotten?
• Learn to trust each other - So you can't shake off the possibility of him checking out a hot coworker or classmate. Take a chill pill. Just because his head might turn 360 upon a mere sight of an Angelina Jolie dead ringer doesn't mean he's going to let you go to pursue her, even if you're both miles apart. Learn to trust your significant other. Too much drama and jealousy won't do your relationship good. Like what they always say, "If it aint broken, don't fix it." Avoid interrogating him or his friends when they plan to go out. Don't even think about snooping around his facebook, friendster or myspace for any evidences of infidelity. Think positive.
  
• Milk it for what it's worth - make the most of your time apart by GETTING A LIFE as well. Think about it. when was the last time you ACTUALLY had a night out with the girls? Or when you actually had a "me" time? Being miles apart have its own benefits if you look at the bright side, like having your own space the chance to develop your individuality for instance.
  
• Visit each other as often as possible - Long distance relationships cannot live on phonecalls, chats and text messages alone. Try to see each other as often as possible. Be sure to be home for holidays if you can't afford to see each other on weekends.
  
• Know when to say goodbye - relationships, proximal or otherwise will come to an end, sooner or later. Even marriages fail. Goodbyes are part of life. So no matter how hard you tried to make it work out, it leaves you no choice if it's time to let go. If you feel like the communication is becoming too one sided or if you're having one too many arguments lately or when you think it's time to reevaluate your relationship with him, do so. There's no use in being in a relationship that's sucking you dry more than helping you out.