Love Long Distance: Valentine's Day

Leading your love life at long distance isn't easy. On special holidays meant to be celebrated with your sweetheart, it's even harder. Don't let this Valentine's Day leave you moping about distance instead of celebrating your love for one another. Being apart is never as good as being together, but there are many ways to share the day together no matter the miles.

Communication

Communication is always key in relationships, but it's even more critical in long distance relationships, and especially on special days like Valentine's Day. Make sure your partner knows your schedule for the day, and you know his or hers. Even if you have work or obligations, the better your communication, the less likely your lover will feel he or she is left out of the loop. On special holidays or anniversaries, feeling your loved one is out of reach, and not knowing why, can be especially painful. Communication is key!

Gift Giving: Show That You've Been Paying Attention

The old adage "It's the thought that counts" may be so overused it's tattered around the edges, but that doesn't change how true it is.  But which thought? That you love your sweetheart so very much? Well, of course--but how do you convey that?  Show you've been paying attention to that communication which is, and must be, the basis of a long distance relationship.  Take notes if you must, when your partner mentions some small thing he or she enjoys or desires, or think of something that would make his or her life a little easier or more comfortable. Thanks to online shopping, a personal, thoughtful gift isn't hard to find or send, and the perfect creative Valentine's Day gift may be the simplest part of making your Valentine's Day a special one. 

A Little Something Extra

One thing that's missing from ordering something online and having it shipped as a Valentine's Day gift to your long distance squeeze is your personal touch... literally.  Even if the gift itself is personal, and you have the option of including a personalized message, it'll still put a smile on your boyfriend or girlfriend's face to to get something that came from your own two hands.  Putting a card in the mail, one addressed and signed in your own handwriting, may seem a very small gesture.  But though it may arrive separately from the gift, it's just as important.  Again, you're focusing on fostering a feeling of nearness and accessibility, and such a card does just that. 

Say I Love You Face To Face

Plan some time in front of the computer--and a webcam--together. Just because you're apart doesn't mean you can't unwrap your Valentine's gifts together, or say "I love you" while your lover can see the truth of it in your face. Technology brings us together, too.  

Close the distance with your long-distance love this Valentine's Day by making every effort to reach out. Happy Valentine's, valentines!