How to Survive a Long-Distance Relationship

Long-distance relationships can be tough. Apart from removing physical affection, the distance can also make it more difficult to relate to your significant other - as the day-to-day experiences of their lives become more removed from your own. However, long-distance relationships can also be incredibly rewarding, and when you finally get to see that special someone, it always seems worth the wait. So whether your sweetheart lives thousands of miles away, or is just on vacation for a few weeks, here are a few ideas to help keep the spark alive until you can see each other again.

1. Don't talk so much.

Seriously. I know this advice seems counter-productive, but it's in fact really useful. Calling your long-distance partner all day long might seem like a great idea, but it only makes their absence that much more apparent. Once long conversation a day is really enough! This way, you'll have a lot to catch up on when you do speak - you can fill them in on all the goings on of your day, tell them funny things that happened at the office, what you're planning on doing the next day, and how much you miss them. You'll leave the conversation feeling happy that you were able to speak to them, instead of feeling sad that they are so far away.

2. Do things together!

But, you ask, if we're in a long-distance relationship, how are we supposed to do things together? Easy! There are lots of things you can do together that don't have to involve actually being together. Read the same book at the same time, and discuss it with each other. You could each rent a movie, and watch it together over the phone. You can even play board games like Scrabble or Monopoly together over the internet.

3. Send each other things!