Is Your LDR Going to Make It?

If Justin Long and Drew Barrymore can do it...

Well, at least their characters could in the new film Going The Distance.

Long distance relationships are hard. Really hard. Nobody said they wouldn't be. And, to boot, many relationships end once both parties finally realize that an LDR is no walk in the park.

It's the case for so many couples: They meet, fall in love, get serious, and then BAM! Someone has to move. Be it school, a job, or a family emergency, suddenly the unstoppable twosome is torn apart. Then, the couple is left with a decision. Are we strong enough to make it? 

Staying close even when you're miles apart can be much easier with these helpful tips on surviving a long distance relationship: 

1. Get A Web Cam
Hey, hey, hey. Get your mind out of the gutter. These are for having face to face conversations... nothing any riskier. Unless you dare! However, being able to make eye contact with your bf or gf is essential to the survival of your LDR. It's easy to become distracted when you're on the phone. Maybe a TV show comes on that you've been dying to watch, or you come across a story in the paper that you can't help but read. PAY ATTENTION! Looking at one another shows that you're focused and interested, and makes your conversations feel a lot more organic and meaningful. 

2. Start a Travel Fund
Flights are expensive, but visits are a great way to keep your relationship fresh. It's a great idea to start a shared travel fund, that way any time that you or your partner has extra money, it goes into the pool and goes towards a flight for one of you. This was the expenses don't fall in just one of your pockets, and there is also a sense of success on both sides when you reach your monetary goal and you get to see one another. Also, sharing money is a great expression of trust - an essential element to any LDR.

3. Wait A Minute Mr. Postman
Call it old fashioned, but there is nothing more exciting than receiving a hand written love note. Sending letters and packages via snail-mail is a great way to keep things exciting, not to mention romantic, plus you can incorporate the element of surprise, which is key in keeping a relationship exciting. Wrap up a picture frame with a nice picture of the two of you, or send an old t-shirt with your perfume sprayed on it. These are all wonderful ways to keep you on his mind, and keep your budget in check. 

4. Hit The Books
Another great thing to try is a book or film club for just the two of you. Pick a book or a movie that you've both been dying to read or see and then watch or read it on your own time. Then, you can discuss the film or book via Skype or phone later. By engaging in the same activities, you create a feeling of togetherness even in the face of separation, plus it's a great way to catch up on your reading or movie-going while your date night's are available.

5. Live Your Life
Sure, you're entitled to a few nights of sulking when your partner first leaves, or you first go. But cut if off there. The worst thing you can do is sit around and feel sorry for yourself. As important as it is to stay close to your bf or gf while you're apart, its just as important to keep your life going on it's own. Sign up for yoga, or make a weekly date with a friend from work. Do not spend all of your time by yourself or on the phone. It's the fastest way to become depressed, and depression leads to stress, and stress leads to fighting. And fighting, especially without the ability to really make-up, is the quickest way to kill your LDR.

Billie Misha
		About the author:
		Billie got her start in the media industry as a photographer. Snapping on red carpets and at film events, she quickly learned that if a picture speaks a thousand words, a blogger speaks a million. She has written for dozens of websites and online publications, and loves to scoop stories on the steamiest scandals, the biggest and best trends,and whatever else is making news RIGHT NOW!
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