I read your blog and consider all you wrote very well said. I agree that so many couples let little things intrude upon their long distance relationship and give into doubt because of it. They lose faith and give up!

I am going to add my own thoughts to what you already stated. Tell me what you think.

The one thing you did not mention in your thoughts was "outside influences". What I mean by this is couples or one party of the couple lets others around them influence their thoughts on long distance relationships.

They begin to listen to the hype, the negative feedback in regards to the "ultimate impossibilities" of any long distance relationship being successful. All to often it is those influences that open the gates to doubt. Listening to them instead of talking to their mate when they begin to doubt will certainly make it harder for any chance of success.

Being impatient and rushing things does not help either. It is so vital to remember it takes "time" for a long distance relationship to be successful. In this comes all those things you mentioned.

*COMMUNICATION
*TRUST
*UNDERSTANDING
*PATIENCE
*FAITH

These 5 factors are key to any successful long distance relationship. Sure I understand there may be times when "doubts" start to creep into ones mind. It is here that you absolutely need to communicate your feelings with your mate!

Talk about what is on your mind. DO NOT let it wait. The longer you wait to express what you feel the easier it becomes for doubt to win. You begin to look for excuses or the proverbial "red flags" and before you know it the relationship is sliding into hot water.

One begins to question everything. One begins to think that success is not achievable. In short they let outside influences become the main focus and lose faith .

So how do we avoid all this and make our dream of meeting our mate real???

Here are some very helpful ideas for you and your mate....

(Some reading this may say "I already know this". If you do then obviously these words are not meant for you!)

* Be real and sincere about your wishes and desires. Tell each other about what you are looking for from the start.
* Describe who you are and all your interests. This leads to some very interesting conversations.
* Be supportive of each other. This strengthens the bond between you and builds trust!
* Set days and times when you will be in chat. Letting each other know when you "can" be online makes it easier for you both.
* Make a date to chat and discuss all you both feel and think. Express your true feelings and open up completely! Do not hide anything from each other!
* Ask questions. Getting to know each other before you meet makes that meeting more relaxed and comfortable.
* Do not set unreachable goals.
* Do not set your "expectations" so high that you make each other feel unworthy.
* Take things one step at a time. Going to fast makes things complicated.
* Be patient and understanding with each other.
* Keep things simple. (The harder you make things the more you let doubts surface!)
* Planning for your future together is nice, but do not overload the dream wagon! Avoid making to many "future" plans until you actually meet each other.
* Keep it personal. No one needs to know more then the fact you are in a relationship.
* Avoid asking your "friends" for advice. They are not experts in long distance relationships either!
* Above all else communicate and be honest and sincere when you do!

All in all it is NOT difficult to make a long distance relationship successful. It takes hard work and diligent care of course, but so does any relationship! I believe if you keep it simple and keep it real there is no obstacle or distance that cannot be overcome.

The main thing to remember is communication is so vital to all other aspects of a long distance relationship. Not allowing anything to influence your relationship and keeping your faith in each other real will see you succeed! If you want it deeply enough you will have it. I believe this.