We’re all searching for love, but sometimes the great quest leads us to relationships that must be maintained from far away. Let it first be said: these types of arrangements are an absolute and total pain in the ass. But if you’ve decided that, come hell or high water, you’re going to make this romance work, here are a few (hopefully) helpful ideas to make that love from afar last.

This dopey helpful hint is valuable in just about any relationship, but in long-distance love it’s particularly key. You’ve gotta communicate. There’s no way around it. And because you’re not in the same zip code, you’ve got to communicate all parts of a relationship. For some, this might be a serious challenge. There’s some aspects of a love affair that are best left to actions, but that just isn’t possible here, so it’s time to get creative. Gifts, gestures, and candid honesty go a long way when the distance is even longer.

If possible, arranging meetings or weekly phone calls is good idea. Routines make that distance more bearable and seeing each other, however infrequently, is important to keep the passion alive. If meeting or talking on the phone is becoming a chore, it’s time to reassess the situation.

I’ve heard it said that falling in love on the phone is ideal. Not sure I agree with that but I see the point. It’s a situation defined by conversation and conversation alone. Now while communicating is key, bonding over technology makes the whole things easier. With FaceTime and Skype, it’s never been easier to see your loved one and do something together. Do something like what, you ask? Watch a movie together, play a game together. Bond in a way that isn’t purely talking about everyday nonsense. You’re reinforcing the strength of your relationship by spending time not just being, but participating.

So now we arrive at it. This is by far the most important aspect of any long-term relationship: it must have an expiration date. Relationships like this only work if it’s for a set amount of time. And it can’t be a wishy-washy timeframe. Pick a date when you’ll be living near each other again and stick with it. If the relationship is what both of you want, this should be a no-brainer. Individuals often engage in long-term relationships that can drag on for years. This is inherently a defeatist route no matter how strong the emotional bond. A healthy relationship is also about intimacy, which is impossible if it’s always long-distance.

Many people have made time away from their loved ones work, but like usual, it takes commitment and determination. Simply put, you’ve got to go the extra mile when you’re miles apart.