Long distance relationships can be trying. The person you love is far away, and you don't know what they're doing, or who they're meeting. There is no need to fret, however. These relationships share the same realities and problems as any other relationship. It involves two people who share an interest in each other's lives, care for one another and of course have a love for each other that they hope will only continue to grow.

A long distance relationship does have its differences you'll need to deal with. You won't see each other on a consistent basis, intimacy becomes a question, and a LOT of trust required. Many people are willing to give a long distance relationship a try, with the constant curiosity if it was the right decision to make and if it will stand a chance of making.

The truth is a long distance relationship has just as much a chance of succeeding as any other relationship. If you're in a long distance relationship, the following tips will hopefully help you out and give it a better chance of going on.

• Establish some ground rules - Honesty is the best policy. Put everything out. This way no one feels they're sneaking around on the other one. Have discussions about whether you can see other people romantically while you are apart, when and how much you'd like to talk to one another, and any special occasions such as a wedding in which the two of you will see each other in person.

• Snail mail is an inexpensive way to stay in touch - This also adds a touch of realness to the relationship. You can dress up the letter with sparkles or any other special touch that makes the letter "you". When the other person reads the letter they can feel the love and emotion in the letter and they can go back to it at any time if they are feeling down. It doesn't have to be just letters, either. You could send a taped message, pictures, or anything else which is personal between you two.

• Never fight over small problems - There is an old saying that goes, "Never sweat the small things in life." This holds especially true during a long distance relationship. Since you don't talk as often as you like, everything becomes a little more magnified. All couples fight once and awhile, but when you are in an LDR, save the fighting for the really important issues and not silly, small ones.

• Accept uncertainty - There will be a lot of unanswered questions during a long distance relationship with many of them having difficult answers. Questions like ""Do I still love him?" or "Is this relationship still worthwhile?" are completely normal. If either of you are finding the answers to these questions becoming increasingly difficult and complex, then you should consider breaking-up for a period.

• Plan a surprise trip - There are times when phone conversations and emails won't cut it. You NEED to see the other person. Well, pack your bags and just do it then. It's adventurous, spontaneous, and you get to see your loved one in person.

• If there are problems, tell them - If you see the relationship drifting apart, don't keep it from the other person. Tell them honestly and openly. Don't leave message on their voicemail or send it in an email. Call other person on the phone. They deserve it. How would you like if it happened to you?

• Arrange to watch a TV program together - If the two of you have a favorite TV show like CSI or Grey's Anatomy, call each other just before the show begins and stay on the phone for the duration of it. This way, you can experience the enjoyment together, even though you're miles apart.