How to maintain a long-distance relationship

 How to maintain a long-distance relationship.

It's not unusual for people to assume that long-distance relationships don't work. Even your family might discourage it, and some of your closest friends may advise you not to take the relationship seriously if you get heartbroken. The truth is, no one said it's going to be a walk in the park as that extra distance makes many things almost unachievable. Things could get tricky, and at times, you could get lonely and sad. Ask anyone who's in a long-distance relationship; even technology can't make up for everything. Despite how rough long-distance relationships can be, here are five ways to keep your love alive and healthy.

Stay positive

For those who've seen a long-distance relationship work, they can tell you that being positive goes a long way unless you are not looking for a long-term connection with your partner. The nostalgia, the loneliness of this mile-apart relationship, demands more. Otherwise, you will get to a breaking point and part ways. Don't dwell on some petty negative perspectives, and if you no longer love your partner, speak to them and end things amicably.

Avoid excessive communication 

Communication is undeniably vital in any long-distance relationship. Whether it's through phone calls, texting, or online communication, get away from your busy life and check up on your spouse at least once or twice a day. That gesture shows that despite the distance, you still have each other in mind. However, it is unwise to be excessively "sticky" and over possessive. You two don't have to communicate 12 hours a day to keep the relationship going. Some couples think that they need to compensate for the distance by doing more. This is false, and it might only make things worse as soon you would get tired of "loving." Always remember that less is more.

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Manage expectations by setting ground rules 

Being in a long-distance relationship means trusting your partner wholly. For that to work, both of you must be clear with what you expect of each other during this relationship. It's essential to set some ground rules so that none of you will do things that will take the other party by surprise. For example, are you two exclusive, or is it okay for the other person to go on dates? What is your commitment level in the relationship? It's advisable to be open with each other about all these things.

Visit each other frequently 

Visiting each other is the highlight of any long-distance relationship. Do this often, because sometimes talking isn't enough. After all the abstinence, yearning, and waiting, you finally get to meet each other and satisfy all the little things that seemed impossible, like kissing, holding hands, making out. Etc. All these things are common in other relationships but are quite special and extra intimate for couples in long-distance relationships.

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Talk about the future 

Being visionary is no doubt part of the solution. Talk to each other about plans to possibly eliminate the distance between the two of you. The truth is, no couple can or wants to be in a long-distance relationship for forever as we eventually all need to settle down. You two must be on the same page and have the same goals for the future. This way, even if you are not living in the same timezone and space, both of you are still motivated to work together in the same direction towards a future that includes one another.