subject: Building On Your Long Distance Relationship [print this page] There is a trial of separation for almost every relationship. It is usually the fodder for books, movies, TV shows and the like. Even the Odyssey, the epic by Homer, is essentially about a couple that is separated for decades, and still end up happily ever after. But in real life, decades without speaking does not exactly fly. If you and your significant other are currently in a long distance relationship, then here is some helpful advice that should make the time apart a bit more bearable.
The first thing you need to focus on is determining just how long the separation is going to be. The usual rule of thumb is that the longer the distance, and the longer the amount of time apart, the less chance there is of the relationship succeeding, but this does not necessarily need to be true. If you and your partner have determined a set amount of time to be apart, then you will already have a goal in mind that the two of you will be able to meet.
After determining your goal, you will be able to focus on your communication schedules. Schedule times to call each other, talk online, send pictures, anything that allows you to be in touch with each other. It is important to talk as often as you can to each other because building that kind of communication schedule will let you build up trust. It is also important for you to keep in mind that you will not always be able to talk when you have scheduled, and to never hold this against your partner. You need to remember that to miss the occasional call or internet date is fine, so long as it is not a constant habit.
You should also keep in mind to trust your partner during the time apart. One of the biggest problems couples in long distance relationships face is the fear of infidelity, even if the partner has not given genuine reason for suspicion. It is often simply insecurity that leads to this fear, which is why you should keep yourself in check if you start to have doubts or worries and be sure that it is not simply your own insecurity.
You need to remember that time apart is just that: Time. It will pass and one day you will be able to be with your significant other, but in the mind time just focus on further building the relationship as you can.
