7 Tips for a Healthy Long Distance Relationship

So many times, we are told that long distance relationships don't work, but they CAN! I have been in a long distance relationship for almost a year now and I would like to share some tip that you can use to keep your long distance relationship healthy and going strong. Long distance relationships are a hard and bumpy road sometimes, but if you can get past the bumps on the road, there is nothing that can stop you from moving forward.

Make sure that you both are completely aware of the others' expectations in this relationship. Be sure that you both know what you want from the other, what your final goals are and how you plan to accomplish those goals. Sometimes it even helps to set a time limit for those goals to be accomplished.

One of the best pieces of advice for a healthy long distance relationship is to stay in contact. I recommend contacting your partner at least once a day, whether it is just a quick phone call, email or a quick message on Facebook. Staying in contact helps the other to know that you are always thinking of them and also allows you to share what's going on in your life so that you can support one another.

One of the best programs out there for video chatting is Skype. I call my boyfriend on Skype every night and it is so nice to be able to see his face every day, even if we cannot be together. There are other free video chatting programs out there as well. I recommend finding one that you are both comfortable using.

Visit your significant other as much as possible. Sometimes this can be difficult, especially if you are both struggling with money, but seeing each other really helps you to feel more connected. I also recommend taking turns with the traveling. For example if you go to visit your significant other this time, maybe he/she should come to visit you next. That way you share the cost and burden of travel.

Just because you are apart does not mean that you still cannot do things together. There are many games that you can play with someone online. For example, my boyfriend and I like to play some Facebook games together. You could also try to invent a game the just you and your significant other know about. it's sometimes fun to keep a secret.

Try not to dwell on the fact that you cannot be together as much as you would like. If you do, it could cause undue stress on the relationship. Try to be patient and support each other through life from a distance.

Remember your goal and stay focused on the path to meeting that goal. Remember, the best things in life are worth the wait. It may be hard while you have to be apart, but someday you will be together.

I hope that these tips help you to keep your long distance relationship healthy and going strong. Following these simple guidelines will, at the the bare minimum, keep you in communication with one another and help you to stay focused and support each other. I wish you all the best of luck with your own relationships.