"For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice"

All relationships require work, 100% from both or all involved, but it takes a special kind of love to withstand the challenges that come in a long distance relationship.
• The first and #1 thing I would tell you before getting into a long distance relationship is to make sure you have a partner whom you know for sure, without a doubt that they will work just as hard as you in making and keeping the relationship strong, at a distance as well as in person. Don’t ask if a long distance relationship can work. Anything can work if you make it work. Again, you will get out what you put in.
• You both need to discuss and agree on expectations. Make it known and be clear about what you expect and what’s important to you.
• Have a plan. How long will you two be separated? Depending on what has caused your distance, come up with a plan whether it be 3 months, 6 months or even longer. It is important to have a goal in mind. It’s something to focus on. When times get a little tough, you get to missing each other you can at least count down the days. Be creative!
• Communication is imperative in any relationship. Always let your partner know how you feel, what you’re thinking, even your likes, dislikes, wants, needs, anxieties, worries, fears, etc. Be open in communicating. Do not assume your partner can read your mind or knows what you’re thinking and feeling. Have your important conversations on the phone or even video. Your partner can’t hear the emotion coming from the words you type. You might say something in a joking way but your partner might take it seriously and vice versa.
• Raise your trust level as best as you can. Keep the lines of communication open. If things don’t add up, it will come to light. Lack of trust can be your downfall in your relationship.
• Be creative. Take pictures, this allows your partner to feel more connected and more involved in your life. Write a letter, send a card or post cared. Writing letters are more personal. Make a love journal or scrapbook. 100 reasons I love you, write a letter a day, write about your day and when you thought about them, write lyrics to a song or poem that made you think about them.
• Schedule a weekend or a time to visit each other. Plan a mini vacation. Make it special. Be creative. Put some thought into it. Let your partner know they are special and really mean something to you and your life.
• Don’t let your negative thoughts or the negative thoughts and comments from others affect your relationship. This is your relationship. Think positive. Keep busy but stay focused on the goal. The goal is to unite with your partner and carry on with your life together.
• Share each other’s passions. Get involved. Show concern about their day, their night, work, school or whatever it may be. Stay connected at all times. Don’t leave anything you do to be questioned by your partner. Unless of course it’s a wonderful surprise for them!
• Put your partner and your relationship first. You have to schedule your relationship into your life. Make it a priority. Make the necessary sacrifices for your partner and relationship. Protect your relationship. Never forget, what you put in to your relationship is what you will get out. Do not let the enemy take what’s most important to you.
• Last but certainly not least, don’t give up on this beautiful relationship. You are blessed to have your partner. Fight for it, work for it, work through it. Don’t let it go!

"Things that are easily acquired, obtained, or maintained, without any effort or sacrifice lack value...it's human nature."