Let's not sugarcoat things: Long-distance relationships are tough. You're separated from the person you love for weeks, months, and, in extreme cases, maybe even years at a time. However, there are certainly things you can do to ease the pain and make long distance suck a little less.

1. Communicate -- This is definitely the most important and can be achieved in many different ways. It's imperative that you communicate freely and openly with your partner, make sure your thoughts and feelings are known, and simply stay connected to one another. You don't have to talk every day, but it should be fairly regular. You don't even need to have much to say, just talk; it could be about your day, how school/work is going, or anything, as long as you talk. Ultimately, levels of communication can make or break relationships.

2. Skype/Facetime -- This kind of goes hand in hand with communication, but it's so important I gave it its own category. What would we do without Skype? Or, if your Wi-Fi signal is good enough, Facetime? It's one thing to look at pictures, and another thing entirely to be able to see and speak to your partner in real time. It's power shouldn't be overlooked. There's nothing quite like being able to see the face you love most after a long day, even if that face is on your computer or phone screen. It's probably the favorite form of communication for many long-distance couples, and with good reason. With Skype/Facetime, it can sometimes be easy to forget that your partner is hundreds of miles away -- it can feel like they're right there.

3. Remember --Do you know they have a hard test today? Shoot them a quick good luck text. Birthday coming up? Send a card, and if you can afford it, a present. Even if you see something or hear a song that reminds you of them, tell them so. Remembering them and letting them know reminds your partner that they're on your mind and discourages any feeling of abandonment. You need to let each other know that you love them, because when you're not around each other frequently, doubts can start to creep in.

4. Visit -- Between the time when you leave each other to the time when you will no longer have to label your relationship as long distance, you need to visit each other (if possible) -- even if you have to take a 16-hour bus ride, even if you have to sit next to a crying baby, even if it might cost you a good deal of money. The trip itself might be difficult, but knowing that it's to see your significant other will allow you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Plus, it allows a sort of break between those painfully long stretches of time you have to go without seeing each other. It also can result in some fun adventures in a new place, and who is with you for those adventures? The person you love most.

5. Don't Listen To The Haters -- You're going to hear plenty of "When are you guys going to break up?" or "You know, long distance doesn't work for a lot of people." It's essential that you disregard the opinions of those who might discourage or not support your decision. It's your relationship between the two of you, not anyone else's. You have to have the utmost confidence, faith, and trust in your relationship and each other. Sure, long distance might not work for everyone, but if it's meant to be and you truly love each other, you'll make it work.

In an understatement, long-distance relationships are hard. But if you know what you need to do to make it work and you care enough about each other, it'll be more than worth it. Remember, this distance is only temporary. One wonderful day, you won't have to be long distance anymore.