School has been underway for a while now, and many people have happily reunited with their partners after the long months of summer. But if you have a partner who isn’t in town, you’re probably starting to miss them a lot. Whether your partner lives two hours away, or on the opposite side of the globe, the distance can be difficult. But with the popularity of online dating and social media, people in long distance relationships can now stay connected better than ever before.

Just like any relationship, communication and trust are essential. People in long-distance relationships need extra care when they communicate with their partners. Here are some ways to communicate effectively in a long distance relationship:

• Define your boundaries clearly. It’s important to be on the same page about your relationship status: whether you’re exclusive, what you expect out of the relationship, etc.

• Try to touch base with one another on a regular basis and as often as possible. Texting, emailing or exchanging phone calls can be done every day or more to maintain consistency.

• Schedule regular “alone time” where partners can talk (call or video chat) openly and freely in a quiet and private setting.

• Reminder functions on calendar apps can come in handy.

• If an issue arises, be sure to communicate in a quiet and private space as soon as possible.

It’s important to understand that although partners may not be physically with each other, being emotionally connected and giving emotional support to one another is still entirely possible and essential!

Similarly, people can still be intimate and sexually active in a long-distance relationship. Erotic text messaging and mutual masturbation are just some of the many ways to satisfy each other’s desires without physically being together.

Long-distance relationships push people to be more creative, to communicate better and to test (and express) their feelings. As long as it’s viewed as a temporary state, the feeling of security and positivity can be transmitted to partners wherever they may be. Here are some ways to creatively enjoy a long distance relationship:

• Skype users can share screens to watch TV, movies or porn together. If this isn’t possible, partners can always watch movies at the same time and text/instant message each other in real-time.

• You can take up a hobby together, even if it’s apart from each other, and you can share your experiences. You can also try challenging each other; it’ll give you both something to talk about (examples include: biking, cooking, video games, reading the same book exercise, etc.).

• Plan ‘dates’ over Skype or other video sharing software. This can include things like cooking the same meal and watching a movie together.

• Exchanging a personal object such as clothing or small trinkets is a way for partners to hold on to something when they miss each other.

• It’s easier to plan surprises when there is distance. Write love letters. Send small gifts, cards or flowers for no reason.

In many ways, maintaining a long distance relationship is just like maintaining a regular relationship. Sometimes it takes more work, but sometimes the distance helps. Take advantage of the benefits a long distance relationship has to offer, and stay positive!

Here are some resources for long distance relationships:

• Loving from a Distance, a website created by a long distance couple, for long distance couples.

• Avocado, an iPhone and Android app, used between two partners, featuring sketching, stickers, vibration hugs, kisses, calendar sharing, and private messaging.

• Couple, a similar iPhone and Android app, allowing you to FaceTime and/or call your partner and share “thumb kisses” and more.