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The challenges facing people engaged in a long-distance relationship are unique. Traditionally, long distance relationships have been unlikely to last beyond the span of 2 – 8 months, but in the age of the internet and mobile phones they have a greater chance than ever of being successful. Don’t go into a long-distance relationship except you are both extremely devoted to one another, and willing to make sacrifices for the relationship. There are a few key qualities you both must possess if you want to go into a long distance relationship; loyalty, trust, respect, and love for one another. Create goals and prioritize: From inception, you both need to decide which direction the relationship is headed. Create some relationship standards that both of you have mutually agreed upon. This creates a common goal for you to work with, developing a strong relationship whether you are together or apart. For example, respect your opinions, accept each other’s imperfection, apply trust and honesty, strive towards negotiation and self-sacrifice, look for spiritual harmony, and preserve an open communication. Chase common interests: Pursue common interests, even if it means pursuing them apart; disregard the distance. Read a specific book at the same time, then call each other afterwards and talk about it. Synchronize your alarm with that of your partner each day. Make it a point to think of each other when your watch goes off. This is funny, but it really works-stargaze while you’re on the phone. Find creative ways to bond. Visit often. Create time to visit each other as often as possible or as your budget permits. A relationship cannot thrive if the only linkage is phone calls. See each other up close and personal every chance you get. Consistency can help a long-distance relationship survive. 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 prove to each other that the relationship is going somewhere and that your efforts and frustrations are not in vain. Be optimistic. 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 interests and hobbies as well as your career objectives. Develop trust/ Avoid jealousy: Trust is the foundation of all healthy and lasting relationships. It is easy to become insecure or unsure about your partner’s commitment due to the distance in between. It’s unrealistic to think that you won’t both get insecure at different times but if you are in daily contact you will be able to talk about how you are feeling rather than going days or weeks feeling unsure and insecure. Avoid jealousy and be trusting. One of the easiest ways to destroy a perfectly healthy relationship is to poison it with jealousy and drama. It always helps if you go in a relationship with the idea that everyone is innocent and worthy of trust until proven otherwise. Just because you are in a long-distance relationship doesn’t mean your lives will pause. Remember: Things will get better with time, and even the relationship will become better. Have hope. Be positive.