Long distance love and relationships can be a challenge. It can be difficult to keep a relationship going strong even when your partner lives close by, so how much harder is it when they are far away? If you only get to see your loved ones every month, or every 6 months, or even longer, what can you do to keep the love alive? Here are some of the important things to think about when considering a long distance relationship.

1. Decide whether this is really what you want. It a long distance relationship something that you actually want? Most people enter a loving relationship because they find someone that they want to be with, and want to spend time with. Are those things that you are willing to live without? Is your relationship so important to you that you still want to keep it going, even if you rarely see each other? Only you and your partner can answer those questions. If you only got together at a party last week and one of you is moving to Peru tomorrow, then maybe you should let the relationship go. If you have been married for 5 years however, then no doubt you are willing to find a way to make it work.

2. Have positive communication. Communication is the most important part of any relationship, and long distance relationships are no exception! If you and your partner can still communicate with each other over the distance, then you are much more likely to keep the relationship strong. Email as often as you can. Talk on the phone whenever possible. Get a web cam. Try and have some form of communication every day if possible.

3. Enjoy the benefits of a long distance relationship. You need to stay positive and one of the ways to do that is to focus on the good things that come from a distance relationship: You don’t have to share the remote, you get more time to spend with friends and family, you can spend times doing just the things that YOU enjoy. Even if your preference is to spend time with your partner, it’s still important to look at the bright side of your situation.

4. Give them something personal of yours. This can be just about anything. The important thing is that it’s something of your that they can see and hold whenever they are missing you greatly. There is much comfort that can be had holding onto something from your loved one.

5. Trust each other. Trust is a vital part of any relationship, and distance doesn’t change that. If you stop trusting your partner, then it wont mater if you are in the same room or on the other side of the planet: the relationship is over. Don’t be jealous, and don’t doubt your partner’s love. Trust in the feelings that you have for each other, and your relationship will stay strong.

6. Visit as often as you can. Obviously there are geographical and budgetary difficulties to a long distance relationship, but whenever you get the chance, you should do your best to be together. Don’t get into the routine of a long distance relationship and skip visits.