Can long-distance relationship work?

here's something (brief) i read in a free newspaper one day - Malaysian Today. just thought it was interesting as it sort of concerns me and to those who are in the same situation..

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

- Can long-distance relationship work?

Phone/Online Dates

You need to ensure that you are kept in the loop with what's going on in each other's lives. Calling or chatting online because you feel like you should is not going to work so make your time "together" count. Set up a regular time and day for you to communicate with each other so you can look forward to it and also make sure that there are no interruptions. There's nothing worse than calling someone long-distance only to have them unable to speak to you properly because they're busy or they have other people around

Catch Up

Make your conversations count. Don't just have mushy conversations (although those are nice!) as this is the time for you to catch up on what's going on in each other's lives. Tell your partner what's been happening with you and take an interest in what he's been doing. This will keep you in the loop as this is the closest you can get to sharing his life at the moment, and vice versa.

Impulsive

Being impulsive can actually make your partner's day. Although you have an agreed time to speak or chat with each other, a random message just to let him know that you're thinking of him is nice once in a while. Just don't bombard him with mushy messages all the time as he could take it for granted and it could also potentially irritate him!

Be Understanding

Although you don't have to stick to just the times agreed upon to call or message your partner, you have to understand that he may not be able to entertain you whenever you see fit. He does have other things going on and if you're in different time zones, don't expect him to be cheerful and happy to hear from you at 3AM when he has to be up early the next day.

... and the bottom line....

Communication is very important in any relationship but even with all the technology in the world available, it all booils down to the two of you. Sometimes long-distance relationships can bring people closer together as they realise how much the other person really means to them. So don't give up on that person just yet...

Disclaimer : information extracted from Malaysian Today - July 3-9, 2008