By Jemima Lopez
He lives in L.A, and she lives in London. While having a trans-Atlantic relationship is tough, if there’s anything British celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham prove, it’s that long-distance relationships can work. Married for 12 years, they just welcomed their fourth child. Their American counterparts, Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, have made it work too. Despite separation between films, they’ve managed to stay in a committed relationship for seven years, and they share six children.
But non-celebrities have remote relationships too. In fact, more than 3.5 million Americans were in a long-distance relationship in 2005, according to the latest statistics. With the development of new technology, that number is most likely on the rise. While us common folks can’t afford to jet set or send extravagant gifts, that doesn’t mean our long-distance relationship can’t last just as long. Use this love advice to help maintain your relationship and love like the stars:
Love Advice For Long-Distance Couples
1. Use all forms of communication: Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Physical interaction is scarce, so communication is key. Text messaging, instant messaging, or even Facebooking is a start, but make your “communication” more interactive. Here are some examples:
Related Link: Five Ways Social Media Can Help Your Relationship
– Date nights: “Skype dates” are the norm — a designated time couples agree to video chat. But try to have a real date instead. Each week, pick a movie and a meal to prepare or purchase. Arrange your laptop, screen facing you. Eat and engage in conversation like in a restaurant. Then, pop in the movie. This way, you can hear and see each other’s reactions to scenes. Â Bonus: Other movie-goers won’t tell you to pipe down!
– Send photos: Sending self-portraits are great, but always try to send photos of things that you find interesting or funny. It will allow your mate to become more in-tune with your personality and give them some insight into your world.
– Make videos: Hearing someone’s voice and seeing their face is more personable than a text. But people don’t always have time to videochat. Instead of sending a text, create a 30-second SMS video.  Your significant other can view or respond when they have time, and it’s still special. There are apps that deliver “voice text messages,” like Voxer.
Related Link: Do’s and Don’ts of Flirtexting and Sexting
2. Send them a package: Sending your partner a gift for no reason is great love advice that can keep a smile on their face. Remember that you can also treat your boo to lunch or dinner because it’s easy to get online and order a pizza that can be delivered to his or her front door. You can send traditional letters too. There is something incredibly personable about seeing someone’s handwriting.
How to Strengthen Your Relationship and Love
3. Schedule monthly trips: You can talk for hours, but unless you see each other in the flesh at least once a month, your relationship will most likely fizzle. There are exceptions, like military relationships, which don’t have the luxury. But for those that can travel at their own leisure, take turns planning monthly visits.
4. Be secure: Lastly, most remote relationships fail due to lack of trust. While understandable, if there is no trust, you shouldn’t be together. Try not to let your jealousy get the best of you. That said, never completely ignore your intuition either.  If something doesn’t feel right, speak up.
Jemima Lopez is a freelance blogger and writer who writes for Zen College Life, the directory of higher education, distance learning, and best online schools. Â She welcomes your comments at her email: lopezjemima562@ gmail.com.
