LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS: 5 TIPS TO MAKE THEM WORK

If you're considering a long distance relationship or fall into one
without much of a choice, don't worry — there's help on the way. We turned to the experts for some tips on how to make your long distance...

relationship work. Here's what we uncovered:

USE THE PHONE
1. Do not to let the logistics get in the way of talking on the phone
with your partner everyday — it's one of the most important things you
can do to make a long distance relationship work.
2. Utilize other modes of communication
When you're stuck in a meeting halfway across the world, it's always
heartwarming to receive a loving text message from your sweetheart.
"Set aside a certain time, every day, to connect with each other."
With such busy lives and so many obligations pulling at you from all
different directions, it's easy to neglect communicating in a long
distance relationship. Using other modes of communication will keep
you and your partner close even though you're technically far away
from each other.

3. KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE
You and your beau might not see each other every day, but it's
important to keep the love going and present. "Give a little something
— mail a gift, write a love song, send a balloon-o-gram, order lunch
and have it delivered to your honey — just make it happen," says
Falzone.
"You're not physically together all the time to enjoy those little
extras that your sweetheart might do for you (like bringing you a
latte made just the way you like it). Your sweetie will feel cherished
knowing that you're thinking of him enough to send a special
surprise." Plus, he will probably return the gesture and will make you
feel super-special.

4. PARTAKE IN AN EVEN-TRIP EXCHANGE
Odds are you and your love will be visiting each other. It's important
to make this even to avoid a disgruntled other-half. "Make sure that
each person takes a turn visiting the other's city," says Debra
Berndt, a dating and relationship expert, and author of the book, "Let
Love In." "This way no one feels as though they are doing all the
traveling, thus making all the effort in the relationship."

5. DON'T TAKE THINGS (TOO) PERSONAL
Things will get in the way so be prepared. Since you and your partner
live separately, odds are you'll maintain your lives in your own
cities (as you probably should). It will help your relationship if you
remain understanding and flexible.
"Changes in plans come up, work gets in the way and family emergencies
emerge as a normal part of life. If your partner cancels a trip, do
not take it personally and make a huge deal over the change (unless it
becomes a regular pattern of behavior)," says Berndt. "Remember that
you accepted the relationship as it is and must adjust to last minute
cancellations as part of the deal."