Six months later after numerous airplane fares on your credit cards, along with sizable long distance phone bills, you realize it's time to have the conversation – can or is this relationship going anywhere?

Understanding each other's expectations is vital and helps in avoiding any misunderstandings. For example, is she or he interested in an exclusive relationship, or do they want to continue to see other people?

If both parties are the laid-back sort (see each other when we can or feel the need) without any strings attached, then that's great although it can be unpredictable. One party may decide to change their mind, which can lead to a huge mess.

However if both agree to the idea of exclusivity, then communication and trust must be the key in order to make it work.

Communication is the simpler of the two. It's often easier if you're dating someone who has the same standards that you have, and understands exactly what it means to be in a committed long distance relationship. Regular phone calls, emails, or the occasional snail-mail or card along with planned vacations, holidays or short getaways go a long way in helping keep the ‘long distance blues' away.

The latter however is much more difficult and therefore can be very challenging, but by all means not impossible. Say for instance your phone doesn't ring at the usual time, but many hours later or you call at the appointed time, but no one answers. What if that person tells you they're going out, but doesn't offer to tell you with whom? Or say your planned getaway has been cancelled not just once, but twice. Do you immediately believe that the ‘unthinkable' is going on? Not necessarily. Living apart can make the mind start to go awry, but these are things that happen with couples who also live close together.

Your long distance partner had a life before your relationship began, plus situations can sometimes get in the way of anyone's normal routine. So don't immediately go into accusation mode. If these occurrences only happen every once in awhile, then don't make a big deal out of it. And if you feel that they should be discussed, then by all means, do so but in a calm and rational manner. Throwing accusations around can turn something that was great into the relationship ending before it even begins.

So don't be too quick to dismiss someone who doesn't live within 50 miles of you. After all as the old saying goes…Absence makes the… you know the rest!

If you have children together, the time spent apart can be burdensome. However, with the advancements in today’s technology, you can make sure that you include either mom or dad in the day-to-day details of everyday life. Many soldiers have stated that not only does it help them feel connected to their families and mates, but it also gives them something to look forward to. Emailing, using web cams, and chatting with Instant Messenger are great ways to keep the lines of communication open when your loved on is in the military.

There’s no easy way about it. If you are going to make your military relationship last, you are going to need to work hard at it. It is very easy to succumb to the loneliness that both of you feel when separated for long periods of time. The only way to conquer these temptations is to stand firmly committed to your relationship. Accountability is a great way to make sure that you honor and respect the commitment you’ve made to each other. Set up regular times (as you can) to communicate. For those who are at home, make a habit of writing to your loved one at the same time every day. This can be online, in an email, or in the form of a letter. By creating a routine of "communication" it will help you stay focused on your priorities.

When you are going through out your day, jot down little things. For military wives whose husbands are deployed, you may want to keep a daily journal. This is a great way to keep track of all of the little details that happened. It doesn’t have to be a time consuming project. It may just be something that you write in before going to bed for the night. This way, when Daddy comes home, he won’t feel that he missed everything in full detail.

Make sure to take advantage of all of the technology available to keep the lines of communication open. This includes videos, webcams, and other computer technology. However, don’t forget the good old-fashioned hand written letter. Sometimes, the enjoyment of receiving a letter can never be replaced by an email. Be sure to send lots of pictures as well.

Finally, if you feel that you can’t bear with the loneliness or the struggles of raising the children by yourself, you may want to join a support group. Military spouses often have support groups available to them to join. However, if you are dating someone in the military, you may even consider joining a group online. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to who is in the same situation is reassuring and all you need to stay focused on your relationships.

It is easy to lose interest in someone who doesn’t live in the same city, state, or even country as you. However, there are a number of things you can do to make the relationship stronger until you can get together with them in person. More often than not, couples don’t have any choice over this situation.

If you are suddenly promoted at your job, but you find that you have to move to another city, you may find that your partner is happy where they are living, and are not willing to relocate. In situations like this, it may be best to simply end the relationship. The reason I says is because if your love for each other is truly strong, you won’t even allow your career to get in the way of it. If both of you are unwilling to compromise, this means that you both value your careers over your relationship with each other, and there is nothing wrong with this. However, if you want to continue the relationship, you may want to start by keeping things the same, even if you are separated.

The biggest downside to long distance relationships is loneliness. Once people are lonely, they will begin looking in their local area for a suitable partner. Perhaps one of the best weapons in avoiding this problem is the internet. Who ever thought that a global network could allow long distance relationships to last? However, it is the truth. Instant messaging, web cams, and emails have allowed couples to stay close even if they are thousands of miles apart. Knowing that you can reach your partner at anytime via email, instant messaging, or chat can allow you to maintain a strong relationship.

In the past, people were limited to long distance phone calls or snail mail, both of which are tedious. Sending letters by snail mail is slow, and long distance phone calls were expensive. The internet now allows us to hear and see each other, and it is one of the best tools in making sure a long distance relationship works. You will also want to save money so that you can travel to see your partner on holidays or vacation times. Again, this will keep your relationship strong, no matter how far you away you are from your partner.