It takes a special kind of person to make a long distance relationship work. Although there are many downsides associated with long distance relationships, those that can thrive in a long distance relationship see those downsides as strengths too. Maintaining a loving and trusting relationship, together with the fact that you do not spend your daily lives together, can be overwhelming at times, and filled with challenges and setbacks. But what long distance relationships do provide is the chance for two people to get to know each other for who they are and not what they act like.

If you are in a long distance relationship, here are some tips to keep the love alive.

1. Keep in touch daily. Remember if your phone bills are getting too high, there's always email, texts, letters, cards and even faxing.

2. Make plans for your next meet up. Having a date to look forward to can help you both through the difficult times.

3. Keep you partner up to date about what's going on in your life. You may not live together but sharing information about what you've been up to is still important.

4. Learn to not argue over small problems. Because you can't talk as often as you'd like, it may make everything seem worse than it is. Save the arguing for the really important things.

5. Trust one another. Suspicion will only lead to a break down in the relationship.

6. Surprise your partner with an unexpected visit, bouquet of flowers, adult sex toys or chocolates to keep the passion alive.

7. Accept uncertainty. When you do see each other, things may seem tense at first, and you may start to wonder if this relationship is working. Having thoughts like this is perfectly normal. They'll pass, but if they don't then you really should consider the future of your relationship.

8. Keep the relationship a high priority. You should avoid cancelling plans for a reunion with your partner.

9. Focus on the future. If you both want this relationship, make plans to live together eventually.

10. Be patient. It may take time for long-term plans to work out.

Like any relationship, there can be times in a long distance relationship that you argue or go through tough times. This may not mean the end of the relationship; instead it could be a result of lack of communication, a difference in opinion or uncertainty about how the relationship is going. Sit down and talk about how you are both feeling, be honest with yourself and your partner. If you both want the relationship to work then there's no reason why it won't.