Oh, long-distance relationships are hard, we know what you mean. So before you decide to do this, you have to think about it carefully. First, find out what is behind your feelings: non-binding flirting or everything has grown to the point of love to the grave, as in Romeo and Juliet? Make sure Romeo shares your feelings, and if he does, start acting. Stop stop! It's not like, "I'll have some poison, I'll have some poison!" – plan how you're going to be next. Don't listen to those who tell you that long-distance relationships are impossible.
- The guy has to take the initiative. First of all, he has to want to write, call and come to you. A long-distance relationship depends on a strong commitment from your boyfriend, and if there is no commitment, you both won't get very far with just your initiative.
- Trust him. Don't be jealous of his school, work or friends. You both should have a regular life besides texting and Skype dates.
- Watch carefully what he does, not what he says. Everyone can tell beautiful fairy tales and dream about the two of you going to Japan for a summer vacation, when you are fifteen years old and your pocket is empty, but to do something, no. So you both have to be realistic about whether or not you can see each other at least once every three months. And you both should text on time, call each other and keep the mutual interest with cute surprises. Both of them, not just you.
- You have to understand 100 percent of what's going on in your relationship. You're going to have problems like everyone else and another huge bonus: he's not around. You won't be able to hug, comfort, and care for each other at any time immediately, so watch yourself and him. Don't make up a relationship that isn't there, and don't close your eyes if something suddenly goes wrong. Always make sure you're not making up a relationship while he's not really interested in it anymore.
- The feelings of a guy in a long-distance relationship should be much stronger than the feelings of someone who has the opportunity to be there for you. You have to trust him and be absolutely sure that his Skype calls and rare meetings will be enough, he is ready for that and will cope, and not at the first opportunity he will find someone in real life, you little piggy.
- Keep your temper in check. From a distance it's a lot easier to convince yourself that you can't be without him, and he's the only one, while you're not the only one he's got anymore.
- Don't convince a guy who doesn't believe in long-distance relationships that you can make it work. Why? See point one.
If you've both weighed everything up and decided you're ready and can handle it, go for it. By the way, look for happy stories of couples who have had long-distance relationships in our June issue, and there are also some tips and ideas on how to keep the romance in a relationship.