Can a Long-Distance Relationship Work?

While I've always preferred my relationships to be in the same city if not the same zip code, many people find themselves in love with someone who lives far away. If you can't see each other on a regular basis, how do you make long-distance love work? It's difficult, but with a little perseverance and patience, it is possible to maintain and build a connection.

Following are some tips for those of you contemplating being in a long-term relationship:

Maintain regular contact. Do you take advantage of technology, or are you still mailing letters? Regular contact is key - Skyping, texting, and emailing are all crucial ingredients for building the relationship, so please use those laptops and smartphones. I'm not saying you have to be available 24/7, but do stay in touch regularly. Otherwise your partner might feel confused about your relationship and where he/ she stands. Regular contact also helps to maintain a connection.

Talk about the everyday things. Keeping your partner in the loop on your day-to-day life is helpful in keeping the connection going. Sharing details and the small ups and downs of life are often more important in keeping a long-distance relationship going than anything else. Mostly, your partner should feel like she knows what's going on in your life. This also keeps the connection going despite the distance.

Be willing to have the serious conversations. By this I mean be willing to talk about the future. Make plans to move to be in the same city. Discuss timeframes. Know the limits of how long you're willing to be apart. When you work towards the end goal - living together in the same city - it gives the relationship momentum and a reason to keep going.

Make plans to visit. Maybe you live three hours' drive apart, or maybe you live an ocean away. Regardless of distance and accessibility, make a plan to visit within a reasonable amount of time, depending on your budget and schedule. It's easier than ever now to find a great price on an airline ticket, or to budget your gas money accordingly. Take turns visiting each other to ease the expenses. Plan ahead so you can be excited about your upcoming trip.

Develop your own network. Remember a very important part of long-distance dating - cultivating your life where you are. Go out, meet new people, make plans with friends. A relationship is built on two individuals, so make sure you don't compromise yourself by waiting by the phone and hiding in your house while your love is 2,000 miles away. Build your own life, too.