One Piece of Advice

[Silviar]

Let's talk about something positive.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new, hopeful LDR, filled with all of the excitement, worry, love, and joy that comes with it, what would it be?

Make your answer as long or as short as you want. Come back and add another if you think of something else.

[Silviar]

Give yourself permission for flexibility in an LDR. There are all sorts of weird hurdles you have to navigate - scheduling differences, time zones, family, internet connections, you name it - and sometimes things just don't work out. Don't get down or depressed about that lost opportunity - use it to find five more.

[KiwiLove]

Make sure you talk about "rules" and things you worry about at beginning. So there wont be any missunderstandings. Also, if possible, set a date so you have something to look forward!!

[Rugger]

Communications is KEY. You need to learn how to communicate without your bodies. Set-up Skype, buy a webcam, get a long-distance plan. Also e-mails, texts and snail mail. Communication is the lifeblood of your relationship

[Rach321]

Remember to focus on what you're grateful for in the relationship, whatever that may be. It can be easy to focus on how the distance makes everything harder or to take the relationship for granted. But if you can be thankful for every opportunity you have to talk, to visit, etc. it will make things much easier.

[Karringtyn]

Focus on the here and now. One day at a time. Love what you have now!! Enjoy the "present."

[BabyGund]

Keep your life - stay busy. It helps make you a well-rounded person and gives you and your SO things to talk about.

It also helps to relieve some of the pining and longing and loneliness.

[LadyEcstsasy]

Figure out ways to do things together even from a difference. Sometimes just talking can get boring after a while. Watch movies or TV shows together, make dinner together, try anything on that ever growing list of things for distance couples to do. Keep your relationship fresh and exciting!

[Moon]

Respect, respect, respect! Respect your partner, respect their boundaries, respect yourself enough to not lose yourself in the relationship. Respect that your partner also has a life s/he needs to live, respect the time you've set aside for each other - its important! Respect the friendships s/he already has and are meaningful to him/her, just because you showed up, doesn't mean they have to lose their friends, regardless if you like them, or not! Respect yourself enough not to be the psycho-crazy SO, who stalks their every digital move, unless you have real reason to do it. Respect that you'll have differences and that's OK, differences are what makes life interesting Most of all, respect your love - in order for your LDR to last, you have to nurture and feed it, you have to be open and honest and have trust. Communicate freely and love with everything you have, respect the relationship, your partner and yourself.

[Sarah9908]

Remember to never give up on true love. If you love a person truly, never let anyone or anything get in the way of it. However, never take your SO for granted. Always treat him / her like every day is your last day together. And as another person said, Communication is key. Never stop communicating openly and honestly.

[Zephii]

* Don't feel sorry for youself - just get on with it.

*Make your LDR as close to a CDR as you can. If you'd be living with them, simulate that, or if you'd just be dating, simulate that instead. Use role play techniques to add another demention to your interaction, and allow yourself to believe the fantasy you build.

* Make sure your relationship meets yours and your partners needs. Otherwise, what's the point?

[Niecey]

-Communicate
-Have patience with yourself and your partner
-Be understanding of yourselves and each other
-Take your time
-and the list goes on.....

[paulawriteslove]

Be positive and keep up the adventure and excitement of a LDR

[Gelfling]

Don't play communication games with your SO (like 'how long before s/he calls if I don't call first' kind of games). Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, but in LDRs its the only thing you have, so don't disrespect it with games-- it's basically the same as withholding sex in a CD relationship. If there's a problem, be upfront about it. If your partner is playing games, point out my second sentence to them, and ask what it will take for them to be comfortable opening up to you. If you can't live with the answers you get (note: not the same as if you don't like the answers), then take a long hard think about the future of the relationship.

[nerdgirl]

have fun in the relationship, find games you can play together online or on skype.
Mix things up
have date nights