Long distance relationships NEVER work out - that is what most people would say.

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Long distance relationships NEVER work out – that is what most people would say.

Your family may discourage LDR and your best friends advise you to not take it seriously because it may just break your heart.

According to Coldplay “Nobody said it was easy” as the distance makes everything seem impossible and unachievable at the same time. Things may get hard and complicated, you could end up being lonely and sad at times. However, the distance also makes the heart grow fonder. The small wishes of being able to hold the other person’s hand or eat together on the same table, could mean so much when you are in a long distance relationship.

Here are 5 great tips that will help your long distance relationship actually work:

Avoid excessive communication

It is not a good idea to be very possessive and “sticky”. When you want to make the relationship work, it does not mean you have to be communicating the whole 24 hours. In contrast with what is common with a lot of other people, couples do not have to actually compensate because of the distance. It will only make things worse. You will only get tired of this. Remember that you don’t want that to happen, right? Try to communicate regularly but not too much. Don’t forget to say “good morning” and “goodnight” and don’t forget to update your partner with your life or what happened during the day. Send pictures to each other. This is what we call “effort”. Show effort that you still remember him/her and that you still attend to him/her.

Look at the distance as an opportunity

According to one saying, “if you want to live together, you need to learn first how to live apart.” See it as a journey for the both of you. See it as a test of your love. Instead of thinking that distance will break you apart, stick to the idea that this will only make your relationship stronger. Remember what Emma said to Will in Glee? She said she’d rather be far from Will but feel close rather than close to him but feel really far away.

Set the expectations right

Both of the parties should be clear enough to what to expect with each other. Set ground rules so that no one will do things that may take the other by surprise. Answer these questions: Are you exclusive? Can you both date and see other people while both of you are far away? If you have the answers to these questions then at least that’s a part of the expectations so that no one would get hurt.

Arrange visits to each other

The “visits” are the highlights of every long distance relationship. After all the yearning and waiting and even abstinence, you will finallyget the chance to meet each other, touch each other’s hand and do things that can’t be done when you are apart.

Stay positive

You need to be thinking of what is good for you and your partner. Think of it this way: despite the distance, at least you still have someone you can love and who loves you back.