Relationships are truly a beautiful thing -- to see the way that two people interact, grow and change together is so fascinating. As a person who loves love I adore those moments when talking to a friend in a relationship and he or she talks about their other with an expression of joy on their face and with those wondering eyes that show that they are imagining past memories and sweet moments. I love when a relationship goes through the inevitable hard times and bounces back stronger. I love when people keep trying and when people see that their love is worth it.

The type of relationship that is becoming more common these days probably due to the internet and social media is the long distance relationship. Long distance relationships are hard to maintain because you cannot always have that physical aspect and you cannot see each other as often as you would probably like, but long distance relationships have a beauty about them. And there are ways to make long distance relationships work.

Here are 10 tips for those lovely people in long distance relationships or for those thinking about one but doubting its success.

1. Communication, Communication, Communication

This is a given for any relationship. It is very important to establish open and honest communication with each other. In a long distance relationship, since there is no physical aspect for long periods of time, it is important to keep channels of communication flowing as a way to remind each other that you’re still there. Communication is important for every relationship but holds a special place in a long distance relationship because this is often the only way to connect to each other.

It is easier today to communicate as we have phones with cameras which make video chatting a possibility and there are ways to call, text and message each other often. On a side note, if your significant other has a means by which they can video chat with you but is always avoiding this option, take this as the proverbial red flag -- think CatFish the TV show.

2. Messaging Apps Are Your Friend

If the two people in a relationship are in different countries calling each other can be expensive. This is why messaging apps are your best friend. Take the time with your partner to experiment with different messaging apps and find the one that works the best for the both of you. Many messaging apps these days allow you to send pictures and videos, share links and even make free calls. Sharing moments with each other this way makes staying together easier. As far as apps go, I would personally suggest Whatsapp.

3. Do Not Act Single

There isn’t much to say about this one. Whether your partner is in the house next door or a thousand miles away you are in a relationship and need to respect that. A long distance relationship is not an excuse to continue to go on dates or entertain crushes just because you can. This is still considered cheating. If you are in a relationship, you are not single anymore so don’t act like you are, point blank period. Make sure to keep your partner informed about what you’re up too -- not in a controlling, stalker-like way but in an I care about you and I know you care about my well being kind of way.

4. Do Not Neglect Your Family And Friends

This goes for all relationships as well. No man or woman is worth neglecting your friends and family. Just because you are in a long distance relationship does not mean you have to keep yourself locked up in your room all day Skyping your partner. Remember that you are still your own person outside of that relationship. It is more than okay to go out for dinner with friends or to visit your mom on the weekends. Live your life and keep positive people around.

5. Talk About Each Other's Friends And Families

Get to know each other’s friends and family. Talk about how many siblings each other has and about each other’s parents and childhood friends. Let your families know about the relationship. Sometimes it might even be nice to have your partner talk to one of your friends or your mom. This way your friends and family don’t think your partner is invisible and they can start supporting your relationship too.

6. Honesty Is The Best Policy

Do not lie to your partner. Sometimes, especially since the relationship is long distance, it feels easier to lie to your partner rather than tell them something that will upset him or her. Saying one little white lie plants the seeds for more frequent and much bigger lies in the future. So try very hard to always remain honest. This is a given for all relationships. Without honesty you are both just playing each other and someone is bound to get hurt.

7. Trust Is Everything

If you are in a relationship and you are constantly worried that your partner is somewhere cheating on you then the relationship is not healthy and you need to hit the road. Also, if you are giving your partner reasons to doubt you and not trust you then you are causing unwanted stress on the relationship as well.

Trust is the foundation of all healthy relationships. You need to be confident in your relationship and in the knowledge that your partner will always be honest and faithful to you. The way to establish trust in a long distance relationship is through honest communication.

Also, keep up with your partner on social media. This is not meant to be stalker-like at all but social media should be a window where you can see how life is for your partner. If he or she has recent pictures or statuses that make you a bit uncomfortable (and I do not mean a playful hug with someone else, be realistic here) then talk to your partner. If they become angry or defensive and try to explain things away take this as another proverbial red flag.

8. Think About The Future Of Your Relationship

This goes for all relationships. I honestly do not understand how people can be in a relationship with no goals in mind or in a relationship where both of you are playing each other. I do not mean that everyone should go into a relationship with marriage in mind, all I am saying is that if you do not see potential in the other person, if you do not see something long term in the future then what is the point of wasting both of your time? Long distance relationships are very emotionally tasking so make sure that it is worth it before embarking on that journey. It is very important to live in the present but once you stop seeing a future in your relationship then your relationship may have reached its expiration date.

9. Try To Plan A Visit

Depending on the distance between you and your partner this might be a hard thing to do but it is very important and shows that the relationship is worth something to you. Even if you have to save money for the better part of a year, get a job, or use some of your savings for a trip, this is something you really want to consider if the relationship is at that point. Do not spend $2,000 on a plane ticket for someone you met on Facebook last week. That’s just not smart.

10. Positivity

Stay positive. Relationships are hard, they have their ups and downs but do not give up at the first sight of adversity.

Relationships are beautiful, delicate flowers and they need love, support and effort to blossom to their full potential. When someone starts to become a vine and engulfs you, hindering your growth and blocking you from the sun, that person may not be the right one for you. Please do not convince yourself that you can change anybody. It’s as useless as planting a rose and hoping a tulip will grow. Each person has to want to change for him or herself.