YOU ALWAYS NEED SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO TOGETHER

One of the things that kill long-distance relationships is the constant underlying uncertainty of everything. The longer you are apart, the more these uncertainties can grow into legitimate existential crises.  One thing that is true about all relationships is that if they’re not growing, then they’re dying. And growth is even more crucial in a long-distance relationship. There must be some goal that you’re reaching for together.

BE SLOW TO JUDGE

When we’re apart from one another or have limited exposure to a person or event, we start to make all sorts of assumptions or judgments that are often either exaggerated or else completely wrong. A funny thing happens to humans psychologically when we’re separated from one another. When stuck in a long-distance scenario, it’s important to maintain some skepticism of your own feelings. 

MAKE COMMUNICATION OPTIONAL

A lot of long-distance couples create rules that they should have X number of calls or that they need to talk every night at a certain time. You can easily find articles online recommending this sort of behavior. People get busy, after all. And periodically having a few days to yourself is actually pretty healthy.

MAKE SURE THE DISTANCE IS TEMPORARY

A long-distance relationship cannot survive without hope. And for there to be hope, there must be some possibility that the two people involved will one day be together and achieve a Happily Ever After.

 Yes, it can. Does it work? Usually, no. But then again, that’s true for the vast majority of relationships.10 And it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ever at least try.