Long Distance Love

Curiously, the rise of internet dating and free dating services has led an increase in the number of long-distance relationships. Whereas our previous dating pool was pretty limited in terms of location - the local pub, club or workplace - now there are millions of people subscribed to online dating services from all over the country. And you never know where that wink's going to come from.

So if you find yourself in a long-distance dating situation, what should you bear in mind?

1.     Be very clear about what the relationship is. Does the fact that you live far apart mean that this isn't an exclusive relationship? If it is, does your significant other have the means or the desire to relocate? You don't want to be dating someone for two years and put off asking these important questions - you might find that the answers aren't quite what you were hoping for.

2.     You might be miles apart, but there are still things you can do together. Blow the phone bill, and watch a film or a tv show at the same time whilst chatting. Services such as Skype enable you to chat for free, for as long as you like; put some time in the diary for regular internet chats. Or even just knowing that you're both watching your favourite comedy show at the same time can make the distance seem far less.

3.     However much you miss your partner, don't forget that there are benefits to a long-distance dating set-up. Take advantage of the emptier evenings to see friends and family. And of course, distance makes the heart grow fonder - your reunions with your partner will be far more passionate if you've been apart for a few months than if you've just waved goodbye to them that morning.

4.     Try to see the fun in it - recapture some of that online dating excitement, when your heart skips a beat to see an email in your inbox. You can have far more meaningful exchanges when you've both taken the time to sit down and write something than when you've been boring on over breakfast the whole week.

5.     Try not to be jealous of your partner's 'other' life. You don't want to ruin the time you do have together by worrying incessantly about your other half's social life when they're not with you. Long-distance relationships are far from easy, and they wouldn't be dating you if what you had wasn't extraordinary.

6.       Finally, plan for the future together. It will help the relationship seem less static, and the distance not so great, if you have plans to focus on. Internet dating is all about helping like-minded souls find each other; then it's up to you to make it happen in the long-term.