As a writer I pride myself on writing about fun and funny topics like Bowling tips and Hip Hop facts. Relationships on the other hand are very serious and can lead down the path of heartbreak and pain if taken lightly. So as a disclaimer if you want a fluffy, cherry-cupcake-cream-filled article where there are laughs and jokes and light-hearted whimsical tales, then this is not the article for you, I take relationships and the advice I give very, very seriously!

Trust. This is the basis of all relationships whether your loved one is near or far. You must be willing to trust the other person with something that is very precious to you..... your heart. Believe me when I tell you its hard to trust, especially with so many insecurities and questions you might have going on within your mind. You must understand that jealously will do nothing but destroy this relationship, and as hard as it might be you must express what you truly feel when you speak to your partner. Which brings me to my next point communication.

Communication. Talking is a must especially when you have distance between your partner and yourself. You must dedicate at least 2 hours a day in some sort of communication whether it be: texting, phone calls, or even Skype(modern technology is wonderful!) With the help of Skype you can actually see and talk to your partner, like they were right beside you. Though trust and communication are very important to any relationship the key to maintaining it, is the physical connection.

Physical Connection. We are physical creatures, we must understand that! To be honest talking on the phone is great and even Skyping with a lover is even better but nothing is better than actually being in the love of your life's presence. Their touch, their embrace, their smile, their warmth, their kiss, their arms no piece of technology, no type of social media can ever replace face to face time.

In a long distance relationship there must be some schedule meet up time where you and your partner can reconnect, and keep the flame burning. Never forget the feeling of being with them....Never.

The final tip and probably the most important(in my opinion anyways) is keeping other people out of your relationship. Im sorry I understand friends and family want to help you and will always be there for you, but as adults we must take the responsibility for our relationships whether personal or business. A lot of great relationships can meet their end because of too much outward interference. Its great to listen to advice from loved ones but at the end of the day you must live with your decisions.

If you follow these few tidbits of advice your long distance relationship should hold together through the most turbulent of times. Please understand that this advice is the advice of the author as well as other who have experienced long-term relationships.

Though statistically long term relationship don't usually work out, I personally would like you to prove the stats wrong and make it through. This is your heart, your love, your passion go with it freely.