I actually survived a long-distance relationship for 2 years. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Being hundreds of miles away, not always wanting to spend hundreds a month on plane tickets, and becoming celibate – but not by choice, can be very frustrating. But it is possible and can work, especially by following these tips below.

Caasi Cofer

Tip #1: Video Chat Regularly
… And not just for sex (although no one here is knocking Skype sex). Whether you use Face Time, iChat, Google Chat, or Skype, being able to see each other while you talk about your annoying coworker or the hilarious thing your buddy did at the bar adds another layer of communication that helps you stay close. Video chatting is an especially good idea when you’re arguing; your normal tension-dissolving tactics  don’t translate as well over the phone. If you can see her smiling at your Tracy Jordan impression, you’re halfway to makeup (Skype) sex.

Tip #2 : Don’t Be Jealous Of Her Guy Friends
One of the few upsides to being long-distance is that you’re always free to hang out with friends. Your job as the boyfriend is to make sure she knows you’re cool with that — even if her plans involve dudes you don’t know. Trust me, it’ll work to your advantage in the long-run: If you get defensive whenever she wants to spend time with a guy, she’ll assume it’s because you’re not being faithful when you’re around other women. But if you’re cool with it, you automatically seem more trust-worthy, preventing any major jealousy issues before they start. Oh, and women don’t believe in the whole “it’s not cheating if you’re in a different area code” rule.

Tip #3: Do Something Together While You’re Apart
You don’t have to be in the same zip code to have fun together. Every Sunday night at 11, my boyfriend and I have a standing date to talk about the latest episode of Breaking Bad. Your “thing” doesn’t have to be a TV series you’re addicted to — maybe it’s watching a weekly movie together via Xbox’s Netflix Party streaming option, or playing Words with Friends — but make sure you have something to talk about that doesn’t involve the words “I miss you.” It’ll make your phone calls a lot more pleasant.

Tip #4:Plan At Least One Visit In Advance
Maybe you’re a spontaneous kind of guy. Don’t be when you’re booking travel. If you wait till two weeks before to book your flight because you refuse to plan ahead, expect to pay double for the ticket. Things go much more smoothly if you have a trip or two on the books ahead of time. Your wallet will thank you — and so will your girlfriend. Saying goodbye at the end of a visit is a lot easier when you already have another to look forward to.

Tip #5: Say What’s On Your Mind
Girlfriends can tell when something’s bothering you. And when you don’t explain what it is — no matter how dumb you might think it sounds — we assume we’re the something that’s bringing you down. A girlfriend who’s worried that you might dump her isn’t a great person to be in a relationship with. So just tell her that you missed the game-winning shot at your pickup basketball game already and put it behind you.

Modern Man