I'll say it as it is: long distance relationships are hard. Whether it's a friendship, a romantic relationship, or even a family relation, long-distance relationships can be tough to handle.
1. Communication is key
So how do you manage a relationship with a loved one who lives so far away from you? Well, the key to any long distance relationship is communication. You're probably thinking, DUH! But let me stress the point that communication is key to any relationship. Calling or text messaging are simple ways to stay in contact. Send them a card in the mail letting them know you're thinking of them! Send them pictures throughout your day or even pictures that remind you of them.
2. Keep up with them
When people move away, their personalities tend to change. They may change their likes and dislikes based on the people they're surrounded by or by the place that they are living. Make sure you stay in the loop about their lives and try your best to feel as if you're right there with them. Support them through the good and the bad and I promise you, your relationship will only grow stronger. Even if you're not physically there, make sure you're morally there for the important events in their lives.
3. Surprise them!
Who doesn't love surprises? Mailing them a special gift or even flying down to see them are some of the best ways to surprise your loved ones. You could even order a box of pizza for them without them knowing. Order those earrings they've been wanting and have it be delivered at their doorsteps. You could even send them Edible Arrangements, which are fruits dipped in chocolate arranged in a way to look like flowers in a vase. I mean, come on! Who wouldn't want those? The surprises are endless.
4. Their birthday is coming up, what do you do?
For their birthday, you could send them flowers or a cake or even video call them and cut a cake on FaceTime. Though your loved one may not be near you, there are so many ways to feel as if they are right next to you. Cook their favorite food for dinner to remember them or even help the environment and plant a tree in their name. You'll be able to see that tree grow for years.
5. Take trips
Try taking a trip to go and see them! Maybe you can both meet at your favorite vacation spot or explore a city together and make memories. Don't forget to take lots of pictures and cherish the time you spend with each other. Try visiting them as often as you can, if not, at least a couple times throughout the year. Don't give up. There are so many ways to make a long distance relationship work. It can get tough but hang in there.
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
people sitting on chair in front of computer
all stars lol GIF by Lifetime
two women talking while looking at laptop computerPhoto by 
shallow focus photography of two boys doing wacky facesPhoto by 
happy birthday balloons with happy birthday textPhoto by 
itty-bitty living space." | The Genie shows Aladdin how… | Flickr
shallow focus photography of dog and catPhoto by 
yellow Volkswagen van on roadPhoto by 
orange i have a crush on you neon light signagePhoto by 
5 Tattoos Artist That Will Make You Want A Tattoo
woman biting pencil while sitting on chair in front of computer during daytimePhoto by 
a scrabbled wooden block spelling the word prizePhoto by 
StableDiffusion
StableDiffusion
StableDiffusion
women sitting on rock near body of waterPhoto by 
