4 Tips on How to Cope with a Long Distance Relationship

Relationships are hard. Long distance relationships can be harder.

For many, it's difficult to know how to cope with a long distance relationship that, at times, seems to bring more pain and loneliness than joy.

You see couples out on the town and you want nothing more than your other half to be there. But you know you won't be seeing the one you love for some time -- not for another few weeks, maybe even months.

Unfortunately, there isn't a special recipe for how to cope with a long distance relationship. Each person has different needs, and each long distance couple takes on the challenge in different ways.

However, there are some tips that help most couples cope.

1. Set an end date.

Not knowing when the distance will end is a source of anxiety for even the most level-headed person. Sure, life can make it difficult to pinpoint a date, but you should really try to establish one. After all, the fact you're in a long distance relationship speaks to the fact you're involved with someone you want to hold on to; more most couples, that bond will loosen if you're in different parts of the world for years on end. 

2. Establish routines.

Couples fall into routines. When you see someone in person regularly, it may be catching a show you love, or grabbing dinner at your favorite place. Establish routines with your long-distance love, too. Have date nights where you watch a movie together over the phone or simply times each week when you've promised to chat.

3. Remain vocal in your affection.

You have fewer kisses and hugs when you're miles apart. Without words reassuring the other person that they're loved and cherished, it can start to feel lonely being in long distance relationship. Let them know you love them.

4. Fill up your schedule.

It's hard to control how you respond to being alone; you can control how often you're alone, though. If you notice that it's more difficult to cope with your relationship when you're by yourself, dive into other activities. Go out with friends. Take a class. Join a meetup group.

For many people, it's hard to be away from a partner whose company they cherish. You can't find a set formula for how to cope with the loneliness that a long distance relationship can bring. However, most couples benefit from keeping routines, remaining vocal in their love, and staying busy. And better still, it helps if there's an end date on the horizon.

7 Books to Buy Your Boyfriend for Christmas

Buying presents for the holiday season can be a nightmare. What should you buy for your boyfriend when the relationship is still somewhat new and you're still feeling each other out? If he reads from time to time, there are several great book options that make great gifts for the man in your life. Read on to learn 7 books that could make a great Christmas gift for your boyfriend.

1. Fight Club: A Novel
 It's gritty, violent, and spawned a cult classic film by the same name.

2. Siddhartha
 Perfect for an introspective other half with an interest in Eastern culture.

3. WAR
 Composed by one half of the team who made the hit documentary Restrepo, this book dives into the conflict in Afghanistan and the individuals on the front lines in the middle of it.

4. Darkly Dreaming Dexter
 The book that spawned the hit TV series.

5. The Mental Floss History of the United States: The (Almost) Complete and (Entirely) Entertaining Story of America
Funny and informative.

6. The Brothers Karamazov
 Deep psychological insight and superb storytelling. Bona fide classic of Russian literature.

7.The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book) Teacher's Edition: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction
 A bit dated, but still a hilarious romp through the history of the US.

Books make great gifts. They can provide an escape or help reveal a reality you hadn't considered before. They're also easy to get, and usually pretty inexpensive to buy. If you're stuck for gift ideas when thinking about your significant other, considering getting him a book. There are plenty of books to buy your boyfriend for Christmas that could inspire him to kick back and unwind with a good read.

How to Maintain a Good Relationship with Your Boyfriend

Love is in the air. You couldn't be happier. You've finally snagged a great boyfriend and you want it to last. Although your chemistry may be excellent and your conversations come naturally, your bond could always use some maintenance  Here are some tips on how to maintain a good relationship with your boyfriend.

Don't take him for granted.

At first, all the sweet things seem just that: sweet. You love the way he shows you he cares. But in time, you may fail to appreciate them, or worse, simply grow to expect them. Bad plan! Appreciate caring gestures. All of 'em.

Maintain your own life.

Strong relationships are usually borne out of two people who have busy, unique lives that are wonderfully intertwined. Once you lose your individuality, or try to make your boyfriend lose his, it's only a matter of time until your relationship goes sour. Maintain your own life in order to maintain a good relationship with your boyfriend.

Watch your finances.

Perhaps you can feel the impact less when you're young and new to the dating scene, but money impacts everyone. Happy relationships are usually financially happy relationships. Keep your finances in order, and encourage your boyfriend to do the same. And if money's tight? Stick to inexpensive and/or free dates until everything's sorted out!

Communicate well, and often.

A good relationship is usually formed out of good communication. Don't let this aspect of your partnership slip!

Read more on how to keep your relationship together: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lastsby Gary Chapman is an insightful book on "love languages," and what it takes to make romance last. (And others agree -- it's rated 4.7 stars on Amazon, with over 1,500+ reviews).

Keeping relationships strong is more of an art than a science. That doesn't mean, however, there are no tips to follow. If you want to maintain a good relationship with your boyfriend, enjoy the time you share while actively taking steps to keep things moving along beautifully.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on a First Date

First dates are a nerve-wracking experience for many people. Some mentally agonize over the date, hoping that everything goes perfectly. Sometimes, people get so caught up in the tiny details of dating that they fail to notice any major mistakes they make. Read on to learn five mistakes many people make on first dates that you should try to avoid.

Picking a bad location

Most people try to pick a great first date location. They might base their decision on how cool the place is, or how romantic it can be. These are all good reasons for selecting a venue, but you should consider really basic criteria, too. For example, consider how stressful traffic might be in that area on a weekend. Think about whether it’ll be too loud there to hold a conversation. Make sure your date can even eat the food there, or take part in the activities.

In short, a good dating location needs to be, first and foremost, a place where conversation can flow, and where stress will be kept to a minimum. If you lose sight of that, you might wind up in a place that seems amazing in theory, but doesn’t work so well in practice.

Talking about yourself too much

When some people get nervous, they talk. In a dating situation where you are likely to be both nervous and trying to impress someone, there is a good chance you’ll feel compelled to talk about yourself a lot. Try to monitor how much you are talking, and how much of the conversation is about you. Ask questions and listen well. Don’t forget that a date is an opportunity for two people to learn more about each other, not a one-sided lecture.

Talking about heavy topics too soon

While some people are fine with diving right into heavy subjects, most people approach certain topics with a bit of reserve. In most cases, it’s best to avoid talking about things like politics and religion early on. That’s not to say you can’t have conversations that are smart; it’s a great idea to share a bit of wit and knowledge about the world. You should try to keep the conversation relatively light, though.

Bringing up exes

The last thing you want is for someone to think you are not over your last relationship. Bringing up stories about your ex, especially if you do it repeatedly, is a surefire way to turn your date off. Keep talk of your exes to a minimum. Better yet, don’t mention them at all. A first date is the start of something new. There’s no need to tarnish a new beginning with somber talk of your romantic past.

Using your phone

Many people use their phone continuously throughout the day. It’s an understandable habit considering that, for a lot of people, their day is a never-ending string of text messages, voice mails, business calls, and e-mails. However, during a date, that habit must stop. It is difficult to establish fact-to-face rapport if someone is always consulting his or her phone. It is also rude. Put the phone away until the date is over.

A great first date could be the beginning of a new positive chapter in your life. It would be a shame to ruin it by committing a few simple, but common, mistakes. Instead of getting entangled in the details of dating locations and activities, focus your energy on being alert, courteous, and fun.