• Communicate – often, and in lots of different ways. Text messaging and emails have immediacy and be sent on the spur of the moment. Phone calls let you hear your beloved’s voice again. And a letter or card carries that frisson of holding in your hands something that they held too, as well as being something physical you can add to your box of mementos.

• Share things that you think your long-distance partner would like: a link to a song online, or an article about a subject that interests you. My partner and I are history buffs, so we pass links to articles on history websites and on archaeological discoveries. I think of it as the online equivalent a couple sitting on the sofa together and one showing the other something that will pique their interest.

• Share things that simply make you smile. Nothing beats watching a lovely sunset hand in hand with your partner, but snapping it on your phone’s camera and sending it to them comes a good second, letting you share that moment at a distance. Memories of such moments when you are simply happy together are a foundation for a strong relationship and something to think back on through the rough patches, so build these memories. Plenty of them.

• Share things that make you laugh out loud. Laughing together creates a bond.

• Share things that hold special meaning for the both of you as a couple. This might be texting your partner to tell them you’re listening to the song that was playing when you last went out together in person. In my case, I have a fond memory of a ladybird alighting on my partner’s arm as we cycled through France and staying on for almost a mile. She showed me at the time, so now when I see a ladybird I think of her and as often as not I’ll send her a message to let her know. (The ladybird also pooped on her arm before it flew off, so this could fall under laughing together as well!)

• Talk about your day and what’s going on in your life. Many couples do this when they come home from work, so there’s no reason not to do it long distance too now that texting and emails will let us.

• Share your frustrations and learn to lean on one another for comfort even across the miles. This is a tricky one, because if too much is going wrong then the other partner can become frustrated at not being able to help more directly.

• Buy each other the occasional present. This is where online shopping is a godsend. By ordering through Amazon in my partner’s country I can send her a little something without the cost, hassle and delay of international shipping. Of course there are also times when you do want to buy the item and send it yourself to make it that bit more personal.

• Don’t neglect intimacy. Let your partner know that they turn you on. This is a bit harder (pun not intended, but I’m keeping it in anyway!) than in a face to face relationship, especially if you are uncomfortable putting your feelings into words. If you are comfortable doing that, then the options are wide open: telephone sex (sounds corny, but don’t knock it) or simply talking cheekily, the occasional naughty photo (doesn’t have to be explicit – a lifted hem with a flash of ankle can be intensely erotic). I’ve even tried recording myself reading naughty stories and emailing them to my partner. Whatever keeps the fizz alive until you next meet.

I hope these points will help those of you who have to go through periods of living away from your beloved, though you might well have other strategies and tips of your own. If so, then why not share them here too?

Who’s in it? Monica Keena, Ivan Martin, Kevin Chapman and Tamala Jones.

What I liked about this movie: At first, I wasn’t sure a movie about a serial killer hundreds of miles away from his intended victim would be that scary. But, I have to admit, this movie was somewhat intense at times.  Not only did he call her, he let her listen in on his murders. And, you never knew when the phone was going to ring.

I also liked the fact there was a bit of mystery to this movie. The killer somehow seemed to know everything about the girl, making me wonder if there was a connection that wasn’t being revealed. And, I have to admit, the ending did take me a bit by surprise. It was something my wife and I had speculated about early on but the film did a great job keeping it a secret until the very end.

What I didn’t like about this movie: I won’t go into a lot of detail because I don’t want to give it away, but even though the ending was a surprise, it wasn’t anything overly unique either. It was a twist I’ve seen in dozens of other movies. But, to be fair, I honestly can’t think of a better way to end this particular film either and it did a better job with the ending than most other movies would have.

Final Opinion: I had some doubts early on but this was actually a pretty creepy thriller and I would definitely recommend it.

My Grade: 4 stars out of a possible 5.

But, surprises are helpful in keeping the long distance relationship from falling into a standstill. And by surprises, I mean small, simple things, not buying them a Hummer.

Some surprises (keep in mind, these are just suggestions) are as follows:

1) Small, random notes on colored paper talking about how you saw something and it reminded you of your significant other.

2) Personalize a telegram (yes there is a website out there to do this) especially if your significant other is a history buff

3) send him/her a random joke or funny picture (not a long chain mail email) to brighten their day

4) call them up on the phone and play a video of a song over the phone connection

The key is to not be overbearing with so many surprises that it becomes expected on a day-to-day basis. Take the phrase “every once in a while” in a literal sense.

Keeping in touch romantic remains is key to preventing boredom. Here are 5 ways to keep a romantic relationship, as reported by the All Women stalk.

1. Adventure Together
Go to a place that’s it triggers relationship becomes boring. Joint venture is a solution to prevent the relationship sour. As to the mountains camping, rafting, surving and other challenging activities.

2. Write a Love Letter
Maybe it sounds a bit tacky, but how ‘conventional’ can restore your romance and your partner. Do not hesitate to ask your partner to write a love letter to you. You and your partner can express all the feelings in the letter. Although only a letter, but it is very valuable and can be the sweetest memories.

3. Candle Light Dinner
At the beginning of your relationship and your partner may often romantic dinner together.However, over the relationship and bustle of a growing number of nights spent together are rare. To revive the romantic atmosphere, do candle light dinner at a romantic restaurant.The dim light while diiringin romantic music that can restore your memory and your partner like in the beginning of courtship.

4. Clubbing Together
Go to the club is usually only done with your female friends alone, nor with the him who spent Friday night with her male friends. Why not try clubbing together? Dancing and having fun together is the solution to get out of routine. You and your partner could become closer.

5. Secede
The relationship could also be bored because you and your partner are always together.Broke away for some time need to be done. Secede does not mean broken. But you and your lover can do without the company of its own activities. You can holiday with friends for a week, otherwise the he. When the time is not met, then the feeling will come back miss.

It wouldn’t be right if one didn’t question themselves or their partner in a long distance relationship. Despite all optimism and expectations it is only natural for one to have a lot of questions or doubts heading into a long distance relationship. The thought of a relationship brings to mind the feeling of closeness and affection, the act of bonding and having sex but most importantly to the backbone of any relationship the art of developing strong communication with each other. Such characteristics are felt to happen less in the context of a long distance relationship and hence resulting in them failing. The fact of the matter is that long distance relationships takes a tremendous amount of hard work and  strength but if you are willing to work hard and work hard at the right things, I can assure you along distance relationship can survive and be enjoyed while doing so.

What to work hard at in ensuring long distance relationships survive

Many times a couple will be very committed and has the willpower to ensure their long distance relationship can last. What happens though in many instances is that these couples devote a lot of time and energy into the wrong things. Firstly, in a long distance relationship both partners need to ensure they are on the same path. This is where you can both agree on stipulated guidelines for the relationship. For example, a set time for you both to call each other as it is very important for communication to take place within a long distance relationship. Communicating should take place on an everyday basis; this can be done not only by cellphone but with oovoo or Skype. It always depends on the couple however and what makes them most comfortable, for some it may be everyday others it may be every three (3) days. This goes back to show how important it is to have stated guidelines in a long distance relationship. Secondly, trust is the life support to any relationship and even more so in a long distance relationship. Trusting someone so far away is easier said than in action but before even going into a long distance relationship, one must ask the question, “Am I able to trust my partner 100%?” While in a long distance relationship, uncertainty and doubts will come up, never keep them to yourself. There must be the ability to share such feelings with each other in the long distance relationship. The third aspect to work very hard on is your level of dedication towards each other. You must view your partner as someone you see yourself with years from now and someone you are indeed in love with for the long distance relationship to work. This brings with it the ability for you to be patient and respectful to your spouse with whom you are in a long distance relationship with. It all seems hard work but it can be as enjoyable while ensuring the stability of your long distance relationship.

How to enjoy being in a long distance relationship

Keeping things fun and exciting is a must for long distance relationships as it helps to keep the tension and arguments away. The use of the internet, social media and video applications play an integral role in adding some spice to a long distance relationship. For example through Skype, you may add a sexual touch to your video calls which both partners are sure to enjoy. Knowing what games or sports you both like and playing alongside or against each other can bring out the competitive nature in both of you in online games. Watching the same movie while talking with your partner on webcam will help to facilitate connection and interaction on a social level. Whenever you can interact and talk on social issues and less on why a certain partner didn’t call on time is the road of a long distance relationship that is being enjoyed and will survive.One may make a video for your party whether you want it to be sexy or just showing him what you were cooking for dinner. There are endless possibilities to enjoying a long distance relationship but it begins with you both being able to express yourself in a creative manner and sharing any ideas with each other. More importantly in a long distance relationship it takes working hard at the rules of your long distance relationship, communication, trust and commitment ensure its survival

I know there are lots of people who are in this situation.  I know our situation isn’t unique.  I’m not looking for sympathy (which I receive a lot, actually).  I just think it’s nice for other people to know that they’re not the only one in that situation.  

I also think that, a lot of us who have had to endure long-distance relationships have a good grasp of what’s important in a relationship.  All the little things are pushed away, because you don’t want to fight when you have such little time together.  Observing people, I see a lot of people fighting, agitating, being rude, and generally mean spirited toward their significant other.  I see this, and I think how they are absuing their time together.  I wish I could be with my significant other all the time.  Wish we could do all the everyday things that a lot of couples get to do.  We can’t just head out for a take away.  We can’t go out for a walk on the weekend.  We can’t go for a run together.  I can’t make him dinner.  I have to wait until we actually have time to chat on the phone to tell him what I’m thinking about.  

It’s hard.  Loving someone long-distance is difficult.  There’s no way around it.  But, we love each other.  And we’re working hard to make it easier.  So for everyone else who’s still working on being with their significant other…I understand.  You know that if it’s meant to be you’ll work it out.  If you can make it through the hardship of long-distance, it’ll make everything easy when you’re together.  

Sometimes you have to work really hard to make the best things in life work.

Will long distance love relationship work?

Well, this is really hard to be saying. But if I am going to be saying no, I guess a lot of you probably won’t like it. The best answer that I can give to you would be, it depends.

Yes, it depends. It depends not only on you alone but also your partner too. This is surely to be expected. A relationship is afterall a two-way communication and not just about you.

If given a choice, it would be advisable not to get yourself into any long distance relationship. But then again, sometimes we just don’t have the choice.

And well, when don’t have a choice, we just have to make it works.

So, what would be that key to maintaining a successful long distance love relationship? My answer for you? Well, it is still going to be that same old answer which you probably have like heard over and over again, “Mutual Trust and Commitment”.

Ha, sick of hearing it again? But well, have you been truly spending that time and effort of yours in giving and ensuring of that trust and commitment in your relationship?

In any love relationship, mutual trust is certainly a must and it especially applies when involving long distance relationship. When the both are not able to physically be there for one another, that belief and trust has to be there. The both must have strong belief in the relationship, believing in not only their partner but also themselves. To maybe put it in a more blunt way, you must believe that your partner, your very love will be faithful to you….

But then, trust is afterall just still a non-passive belief. Actions still always speak louder than to words. To truly support this trust you have promised, there has to be that presence of some actions of assurance. Now, this is where Commitment comes in.

So, what are the commitments you should be giving?

To just sum them up, they are namely Time, Quality Communication and nevertheless the most important of all, Plans.

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Very often when the both are not together for a while, it is inevitable that that flame of love between the both would in some way fade off. Laziness might nevertheless sometimes take over oneself too, resulting in one not making enough of an effort to sustaining the relationship…

Now, not matter how tired or busy you are, you have to commit and allocate your time accordingly to make sure that communication between the both is always there and that they are of quality communication. Though you may not be able to physically be there, your voice of care and concern can always make a difference. You have to let your loved one knows that you are and have always been there for him or her…

Technology today has certainly help to make communication for the both just much convenient and affordable. Make good use of it.

At least a sincere email from you each day is a must I would say. It is a good way of sharing and updating each other on the daily’s events; what is going on and nevertheless letting that love of yours knows that someone is remembering and always thinking of him or her. An email would always imply that you are waiting for his or hers reply and vice versa, keeping the response ever going.

Phone conversation would be nice too. Do make it an effort to call him or her and have a nice chat once in while or perhaps maybe even twice or more each week. Making an international call is certainly very affordable these days.

Likewise, there are also many free online messengers services available on the net where you guys can use to converse in real-time through text messages. And together with these messages, you can actually be sending along with them some very interesting animated icons too. They can certainly help to better express your feelings and emotions, making the conversation just more fun and interesting. Web cam conversation is nevertheless supported by most of these messengers’ services too.

Now that a real physical date is not possible, a phone or online date will definitely be nice. They can certainly be very encouraging in helping to maintain the relationship. Do always make that time for your love, keeping that quality of communication between the both just ever ongoing.

And not to be forgetting the conventional way, send him or her some letters of your very own personal handwriting. Surprise him or her with some I miss you or motivational cards once in a while, especially when during special occasions like birthday, Valentines’ Day, Anniversary and etc. A handwritten card would definitely bring about more sincerity than to E-cards.

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But then again, all these are definitely still not enough. There have to be just more of some undeniably genuine and truthful actions to guarantee that very promise of love between the both of you and this is where some real Plans must come into the picture.

Where would the relationship eventually lead? Now, I am sure that at the end of the day, you will want to be with your love; wanting to be able to spend and be sharing that very time and life of yours with him or her, isn’t it?

The most important key to the success of this relationship would ultimately be, to clearly know where the whole relationship would eventually lead. Surely you would want to know that all these tough time that you are going through is afterall just temporary and that you both will eventually be together?

You guys definitely have to be thinking far and make some serious plans for the future together. And these plans must conclude and promise one another that at the end of the day, the both of you will be together. With a common goal and a strong belief in one another, things can definitely work out.

Anyway, to be talking about making of plans, I do have one advice for you. Don’t be over ambitious… it is good to think far but do note; having of some short-term plans or goals is equally as important too.

And just what best short-term goal can there be? Well, that has just got to be, making sure that you both will physically meet up with one another every here and there as much as possible. Perhaps twice each year at the very least, meeting up with one another every 6 months?

You definitely have to allow the relationship the chance to be “recharged”. In life, everyone would be in a way having some aspiration and dreams, which they look forward to and this, just always help to push them on…

Similarly here in a long distance relationship, having of some date to be looking forward to can greatly help to support the relationship, giving to the both of you the strength to carry on. I am sure that you would be more than just thrilled by the thought of able to be meeting up with your very love soon?

Now to be answering your question again, will long distance love relationship work? Yes it can, it just depends on whether you want it to.

From short-term goals to eventually reaching that ultimate goal of be together? Well, if the both of you have strong belief in one another and are willing to work towards things together, I am sure you guys can make it.

Don’t give up without even trying. Fulfill that very promise of love made between the both of you. Don’t disappoint your love…

58 days… I’ll be back to visit, you promised you would wait for me, i promise you the best time of your life <3

   Challenging and difficult, though they may not be what we want to hear, are the words that best describe long distance relationships. The truth is, a long distance relationship has just as much a chance of succeeding as any other relationship!

   You have to have faith that the relationship will end up working out. No matter how far away it may be,you must have faith and compromise. Keeping a relationship alive across the miles is not an easy task to do. Do not feel afraid to tell your partner what you really need and want from him or her, you deserve the chance to speak from your heart and he or she deserves to know the truth and judge whether they can give it to you.

   Trust is a major necessity if you wish to have your relationship from a distance. Without trust and honesty, the relationship is in for danger and unsuccessful, just as it would be any other relationship. By accepting the challenge of a long distance relationship, you also accepted the fact that you will have to have the trust and faith that your partner will not be seeing anyone else as promised. Being paranoid and accusing will only grow doubts, insecurity and tension between you and none of those three will help the relationship survive successfully.

   Keeping each other informed of the friendships you have with other people and the events that take place in your personal life is a great way to keep your relationship alive and healthy; and continues to make your partner a part of your life. It is essential that you receive the same information from your partner as well, so you both feel the same security and satisfaction that you both crave. Be creative with the way you keep in touch, such as calling, e-mailing, faxing and sending cards. Pay attention to how many times a week you are staying in touch as well. If you want your bond to stay strong and loving, you have to hear from one another often.

STEPS TO MAKE LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP WORK

• Ask the important questions at the onset, to make sure you are both clear on the parameters of the relationship. Setting parameters such as naming your relationship (dating, seeing each other, boyfriend-girlfriend, engaged) as well as defining exclusive (limited to one person,) or non-exclusive. These can be difficult and awkward questions to ask, but will save you great heartache and misunderstanding down the line.
• Consider using Skype video chat calls every day, text messaging, phone calls and email every day. It is important to maintain contact and to be in each others daily lives as much as possible.
• Do things together. Defy the distance. As a long distance couple, it’s important to do other things together besides the usual phone call. In a long distance relationship, interaction over the phone can become dull in the long run. Incorporating other forms of interaction are important. Just think… People in short-distance relationships do not spend the majority of their time talking, but rather doing things with each other.
• Communicate in some way every day, more than once if possible. Since you won’t be seeing each other, it’s important to establish and maintain an emotional connection. These don’t always have to be long, in-depth conversations. Tell each other about your little triumphs and tragedies. Ask for advice. Use an instant messenger program or VIP for real-time chat, or web cams for that visual connection. E-mail is great so make sure you use it, especially if long-distance phone calls put a strain on your budget. Ensure the e-mails are substantive and detailed, it will show that you care enough to put in the time and effort. Write love letters.
• Take advantage of the benefits a long distance relationship offers: more time with friends and/or family, no arguments over nonsense things, the pleasure of seeing your sweetheart again after a long absence, time to mull your options (rather than snapping at your partner impulsively) before you respond to that email s/he wrote that seemed so rude the first time you read it.
• Pursue common interest, even if it means pursuing them apart.If there’s a movie you are both interested in seeing, watch it individually and call each other afterwards and talk about it. Read a certain book at the same time. Gaze up at the star while you are on the phone. Make it a point to think of each other when your watch goes off, and reveal in fact that he or she is thinking about you, too. Find creative ways to bond.
• Avoid the temptation to be controlling. People have free will and no one can or should control another person. As long as you are both interested in being in the relationship, you will stick with it and distance will not make a difference. You are going to have to trust each other completely if this relationship is going to work.
• Try challenging each other.This is not the same as being controlling. you may find that you can do things for each other that you couldn’t quite find the motivation to do on your own. Perhaps you could motivate your selves to get some exercise or to look better or m ore often. It will give you something to do while you wait to see your partner again, and it will give you both something to strive for and talk about until then. 
• Talk about your future together. Assuming that ultimately you’d want to live together, discussing how you’re going to get to that point will help you to prove to each other that the relationship is going somewhere and that you effort s and frustrations are not in vain.
• Visit often. Try to make the time to visit each other as often as possible or as often as your budget  permits you to. A relationship cannot thrive if the only thing you have is the phone call. You need to see each other up close and personal chance you greet. The key here is to set up some “rules” about frequency of communication and visits and stick to them. Consistency can help a long-distance relationship survive.
• Avoid jealousy and be trusting. One of the easiest way us to destroy a perfectly healthy relationship is to poison it with jealousy and drama. When you start a long distance relationship, you must be realistic of the difficulties ahead. It always helps if you go in a relationship with the idea that everyone is innocent and worthy of trust until proves otherwise.
• Be positive. Staying positive and not focusing on the negative aspects of a long distance relationship is essential to keeping your relationship blooming and your partner content. Being away from your sweetie is not all bad news. Use the opportunity of personal time to pursue your interest and hobbies as well as your career objectives. Another positive point is that long distance dating pushes more of you to be more creative, to communicate better since you don’t have “face to face” time and test to express your feelings.
• Give them a personal object of yours so in a time of need, when they miss you they are able to hold on to something that once belong to you. This will provide comfort, happiness, and thought of being with you.
• Work a toward balanced relationship between a partners. A relationship must build on a very strong foundation of trust, understanding, determination to make it work. The key is to ensure that an equal amount of effort is made by both parties. The two partners should be reasonable about their expectations and willing to cooperate so that the relationship can lead to happy ending. If this parameters are taken care of, you have nothing to worry about. But don’t forget to ask some questions, because if you don’t, your partner may start to think that you are losing interest.
• Create your own set of your relationship standards that both of you have mutually agreed upon. That creates a common goal for you to work towards, developing a strong relationship whether you are together or apart. For example agree to disagree, accept each other as you are, practice trust and honesty, strive towards compromise and self sacrifice, seek spiritual unity, and maintain open communication.

REMEMBER: You have to be there for your partner. Even if your partner is in trouble, or hurt or whatever, you have to be there for them. If they end up dealing with everything alone, they are eventually not need you. And sometimes, distance permitting of coarse, that means being actually physical there for them. Things will get better with times and even the relationship will become better. HAVE HOPE.