Despite popular misconceptions, long distance relationships are not a product of the internet age. For generations, couples have been separated from each other for many reasons – college, the military and jobs are just a few examples. Over the years, couples separated from circumstances have learned how to keep their romance alive from afar. These days, thanks to the internet and unlimited cell phone plans, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with your sweetie when you’re far apart.

1. Set expectations of your relationship. The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships identified one key factor in successful long distance relationships. The couples in those relationships that last more than six months have talked about their expectations of the relationship. How often will you see each other? How often will you talk? What is the future?

2. Communicate frequently. Communication is the cornerstone of any relationship, and it’s far more important when you’re far away from your sweetheart. Take advantage of as many different types of communication as you can – telephone, email, webcam, letters – even text messages.

3. Get a low-cost telephone solution. Long gone are the days when you have to run up hundreds in phone bills just to talk to your absent partner. Do some research to find the best phone service for your relationship. Some ideas: VOIP phone service, Skype or a cell phone provider with free in-network calling. When cost isn’t a factor, you can talk all night long once in a while.

4. Webcam – the next best thing to being there. A cheap webcam can let you get closer than ever to being in the same room. Webcam chats are a good way to add a visual aspect to your communication when you’re far apart.

5. Get creative with your “together” time. Just because you’re in different cities doesn’t mean that you can’t do things together. Get creative. Make a weekly date to watch a movie or favorite TV show together – over the phone.

6. Establish rituals. Rituals help establish stability in a relationship. You may not be able to kiss good night each night, but a nightly “I love you” text message just before bedtime can be a substitute that establishes expectations and a shared reality.

7. Keep living your life. Don’t just sit around between contacts with your honey. Get involved in things that are important to you. Not only does it give you less time to pine, but it will also provide interesting things to share with each other when you do have time to talk.

I hope that this long distance relationships advice helps. I know that it can’t replace the emptiness that most long distance participants feel, but hopefully, it sheds some lights on what to do to make it work.

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Nobody prefers to be trapped in a romantic partnership with a domineering mate. I’ve written this quick and easy four step tips which may eventually help you get your long-distance relationship to work. So exactly how do you identify and change your controlling behaviors? The following are several steps to be less controlling:

1. Allow Your Dating partners be themselves- You are seeing them because you absolutely love who they really are not who you want them to become. This is a pretty big no brainer but it’s a heck a lot difficult in practice.

2. Really know what he/she wants. When you and your partner are making decisions it is imperative that you know what they really want and so are compromising. If you picked your dinner date yesterday allow them to choose where you are heading tonight.

3. Give them certain Breathing space- You don’t need to be in contact every hour of the day. When they want to hang out with close friends, let them, and never text them 20 times just because of the fact that they are out. Let them know you would like them to have a good time and enjoy themselves.

4. Know when you should back away- It is important that you really recognize when you’re getting overbearing and back off quickly when doing so. If you ever learn your partner’s gestures and are able to get reads from nonverbal connection then you are ahead of the game. In addition, if you discover your significant other is pulling away DON’T GET CLINGY. Let them do their thing and when the moment is right give them a text message or call to determine how matters went; this will likely show your partner you can actually determine where they are in the relationship and you want what is the best for them.

Make your relationship work by trying the simple long distance relationship advice above. The more less domineering you are, the more you and your partner will enjoy the relationship.