Hi, my name is Lauren, and I am in a long distance relationship. I've been dating this boy for almost a year and a half. From the start, everyone said it wouldn't work because it's a long distance relationship. I even began to question it. The common consensus with long distance relationships is that they are impossible and never work. Although long distance relationships have their ups and downs, like every relationship, they definitely do work and here's how.

1. Stay in contact.

Since you won't be seeing each other as much in person, it's important to stay connected. This doesn't mean that you always need to have a long, in-depth conversation, but a good FaceTime, Skype,or even a phone call goes a long way. It's a good idea to find one time during the day or a few times during the week that you and your partner can talk about your days. This way you stay connected and get to see them and hear their voice.

2. Keep each other updated.

Even though you won't be seeing your partner as much, keeping each other updated is a great way to maintain the feeling of togetherness. Keeping each other updated can be as small as sharing about your day or as big as venting about a problem that you are having. No matter what you share, keeping your partner updated is a great way to feel close and connected to the other person.

3. Visit each other.

Visits are the highlight of every long distance relationship. There is always the excitement leading up to the visit and the actual visit itself. Seeing your partner is the best because you get to fulfill all of the little things that are so common to other couples, like holding hands, kissing, etc. Although these may sound like small things, they are so special in long distance relationships. Seeing your partner after the longest time is the best feeling in the world.

4. Know each other's schedules.

Being in a long distance relationship can be tricky when it comes to getting to know each other's schedules. It's important to know when the other person is busy or free, so that you can text or call them at the right time. It's essential to know the big and small activities and events that are taking place in each other's lives. Some examples are college mid-terms and exams, tennis, class, going to the gym, etc.

5. Don't leave anything unresolved.

One of the most important things to do in any relationship, especially a long distance relationship, is to make sure you and your partner don't leave anything unresolved. It's never a good idea to keep issues to yourself because eventually it will escalate. It's always a good idea to make sure that you and your partner are both happy.

6. Support each other.

It may be hard to show your support because of the distance, but there are many ways to show you care. Make yourself available to show your partner that you are there for them. Listen when your partner talks and give them advice on issues they might be having. Support each other, over the distance.

7. Trust each other.

Although trust is important in any relationship, because of the distance trust is even more important. Since you are so far away from your partner, you need to be able to trust them 100%. No long distance relationship will work without trust. Be open and honest with your partner, and you will go very far.

8. Be committed to each other.

Being committed to each other is a key part of any relationship. You need to know that your partner will always be there for you and vice versa. By being open and honest by volunteering privative information, you will show your commitment, which means a lot in a relationship. Being committed to your partner is not only remaining faithful (although that is a given). You both should also be morally committed to each other, continuing the relationship because of personal values, not because of social pressures.

9. Be honest with each other.

Everyone has heard the saying 'honesty is key' and it's true. It is vital to be honest with your partner. Talk about your feelings of fear, insecurity, etc. It's important not to hide anything from your partner because sooner or later that secret will eat you up. Don't try to deal with things all by yourself. Be open and honest with each other and let your partner give you whatever support you may need and vice versa. What else are best friends for?

10. Stay positive.

Positivity is extremely important to keep any long distance relationship alive. Although being in a long distance relationship can be really hard at times, you need to remind yourself that, in the end, it is more than worth it. There are many ways to remain positive in a long distance relationship. One good method to staying positive is to be thankful. Be thankful that you have someone to love and someone who loves you back. Be thankful for the fact that you have a new best friend!