A long distance relationship is one of the hardest to commit to and maintain. Yet sometimes the difficulty is secondary to keeping love alive. In these cases, it takes a long distance relationship of the most serious kind to work. Think carefully if you’re looking to wander down this road, as it will prove to be anything but easy.

It’s always good to ask yourself why this long distance relationship is worth it. For it to last, you’ll need to have built a good foundation. There’s no use committing to something when the variables are too wide-ranging. What has happened to make this relationship so important to you? Is it a real relationship or one that only has its roots in early passion, such as those found when you meet someone in a sunny, foreign destination? Taking a look at how serious the relationship is will give you a good idea if it’s worth what you’re about to put into it.

"Keeping it fresh will be tricky but it’s certainly the only way this type of relationship can last the distance."

The most important aspect of making a long distance relationship work is trust. If you don’t have it, forget about making the attempt. Sit down with your partner before the split and talk things through. Set up any rules you think mght be fitting and discuss expectations. Taking action like this will go a long way towards building trust over a long distance.

Is there an end in sight? If you can look down the road and see the two of you together, then that certainly lends value to this long distance relationship. If you can’t see a time when the two of you can reunite, then you have a serious decision to make. Whatever you decide won’t be easy.

Once you’re in the middle of a long distance relationship, you’re going to have to work to keep it fresh. This can mean lots of heavy telephone bills, long nights chatting over instant messaging or through emails. You can help keep love alive by sending photos to each other or playing games online. One of my favorites is watching movies together over the phone. With the use of the pause button and by listening to the sound of another movie starting, you can easily sink two movies to run at the same time. Just make sure you have a long distance phone plan or this relationship will sink you financially before the mental toll starts to ring in. Keeping it fresh will be tricky but it’s certainly the only way this type of relationship can go the distance.

Think carefully to make sure a long distance relationship is what you want to do. Hopefully you won’t be apart for long. Make an effort everyday to reach out and touch that other person to keep the relationship alive and in the end you’ll find the two of you will have a bond that can survive the trials of long distance relationships.

Other long distance relationship resources:

Long Distance Relationships: An article from the University of Missouri-Rolla

The Long Distance Relationship: From the University of Wisconsin counseling center

Ideas for Long Distance Relationships: Survival suggestions from a Penn State staff member

Tips and Tricks for Long Distance Relationships: Suggestions on keeping love alive from the University of California