Long distance dating and long distance relationships are becoming more and more common in the world today. With the advent of technology, staying in contact and dating over long distances has become much easier. It's so much easier to put on minimal make up and chat with someone over webcam or even just sending emails and texts than dressing up and going out for a date.

There's just one problem. Not being able to physically see the person usually makes things and feelings harder to hold on to when either party meets someone new that they can physically contact and see. There are Long Distance Relationships(we'll call them LDRs for short) that do work out, but these are few and far between and they usually only happen when two people feel such a strong connection that they are willing to stay committed to one person no matter what feelings they have for another that they can meet and see. If you're in a LDR and you're stressed out as to how to make things work, here are some helpful tips.

The first most important rule is to always communicate! Communication is vital in relationships but when it comes to LDRs, it is the very lifeblood of the relationship. You don't get to see the other person often and usually the only thing that keeps the relationship going is the messages and words you exchange.

Now as women, there are a few things you can do to keep a LDR fresh and interesting as well as keep him wanting to contact you.

- Make it clear that you're happy receiving his emails, calls or texts.

Men like to be appreciated as much as women do so show him that you appreciate him taking the time out of his day to chat with you and talk to you. Now don't go overboard with this because that will make him think you're crazy and we don't want that.

- Don't throw yourself out there immediately

Getting to know a person is the fun part. If you let him know everything about you immediately, he will lose interest and you don't want him losing interest! If that happens, you'll find yourself left hanging in no time at all. Tell him about what you're doing but don't give him all the details.

- Try not to tell him about other guys

The most important thing is to avoid mentioning things that will make him jealous or make him think you're having fun with other guys. Men expect fidelity in relationships, even LDRs and some of us are very quick to jealousy. Talking about other men to your partner is a surefire way to have things explode.

- Call if you can

It is always more reassuring and personal to talk face to face but since you're in a LDR and you can't meet up that often, try your best to call each other. Hearing a voice and talking is much more effective at building bonds than a long wall of text or a lengthy email.

What you also have to do in a LDR is to go out and do things and meet people. Encourage him to do the same because two people in a relationship must lead their own lives and not centre everything around the relationship. By spending time with your friends, you'll get the much needed social interaction that you're missing out on with him. Keep your life fun and interesting and it'll make him want to stay as a part of it.

If you're missing him or thinking of him, try sending him a small gift. It doesn't have to be expensive or big. A small handmade gift will go a long way to showing him how much you miss him. Men are usually the ones giving the gifts and receiving a surprise gift will make him think of you and appreciate you more. If you really can't take it, just go and meet him.

Sometimes what it takes for a relationship to stay strong is a meet up for the two of you. Seeing a person has the positive effect of letting you know that he is there and real and that a long distance relationship has a chance to make it in this time and age.

Working hard at a relationship is not enough. You must understand what men want and how to acquire and keep their interest if you want to have a long lasting and fulfilling relationship!