Have you been searching for love and found yourself in a Long-Distance Relationship?  This is how you can both contribute to its success:

It is more than possible to have successful long-distance relationships. It takes maturity and perhaps a bit more working than a no-distance relationship, but it does have its positive aspects too. For example, they allow each person a bit of space to themselves so that each continues to pursue one's interests and goals whilst getting to know the other person as much as possible. The negative side, of course is that you don't have as many chances to see what the other is really like in everyday situations or, if you are already married but need to spend some time apart for whatever reason, that you 2 cannot relate in the same, easy way as you would when you live together. However, if you are both mature emotionally, it can work and it will work.

♥  Do you really know your loved one? What you must absolutely know to make your relatioship work. Click here.

The following are DOs and DON'Ts if you want this long-distance relationship to work:

  1 - Do not idealize your partner. This is one of the most challenging aspect of a long-distance relationship because our minds tend to 'fill the gaps' that are created by not being able to see, witness the other person's behaviour towards us or life and the world in general. Pay attention to what his/her life is like now on a daily basis, it'll give you a good idea of what to expect when you 2 move in together. Also, bear in mind that he/she will present his/her best side to you, which is easier to do when apart or when not living together! So bear that in mind and encourage the other person to be him/herself. It's for your own benefit too!   

2 - Do not be unrealistic with what your partner/spouse can do for you (this is particularly relevant if you are married but must spend some time apart for whatever reason). Your schedules will not coincide so, for example don't wake him/her up in the middle of the night to seek comfort! Be understanding that he/she may not be able to offer support and/or comfort in the same way as when you live together. Be flexible. Bear in mind his/her situation and work with it. 

  3 - Don't avoid sharing or communicating problems if you have some. It'll only make them bigger when you 2 are living together. So, be open about what's going on in your life to him/her even if difficult and, if there are issues between you 2, address them. Don't just ignore them. Communication and openness are key in a long-distance relationship. 

4 - You must encourage the other person to open up to you about everything and everything on a regular basis; this will compensate for the lack of frequent face-to-face encounters. Why? Because it'll allow some emotional transference, which is a really important tool to help the other maintain the 'in-love' feeling with you. You can read on how to do this (it's really easy!) on this page.  Put them into practice immediately and see how things improve!