Are you in a relationship with someone who lives in another state or country? Discuss the art of creating a long-distance relationship with other iVillagers!

I came to the Long Distance Relationships board with one goal in mind -- to check my sanity! I'd kept my relationship, which had started online, fairly quiet. I wasn't willing to deal with other's opinions of online relationships, let alone doing the battle with people who didn't understand just why a woman would pursue an international long-distance relationship when there was plenty of romance to be had in her own backyard. People just didn't get it. Half the time I didn't get it and I needed people who could assure me I wasn't crazy.

It's been a great place to gather ideas for care packages, a good sounding board for 'missing him' kind of moments, and I've stolen tips on everything from calling cards to e-card sites to great deals on airfares. It's been an awesome place to not only share the struggles we have in doing the distance but it's a great place to celebrate the victories. The people on the message board helped to make the lonely times less lonely and the good times even better. They made the alone times bearable, helped me hang on to hope and were a huge support in helping us get to where we are today---BEYOND happy, relocated and together.

-- cl-melsdream

I found good ideas on the Long Distance Relationships board on how to have fun & exciting conversations with your long distance boyfriend. I guess I can be quite stubborn because it feels like I shouldn't have to make a list of stuff to talk about -- especially with a significant other.

It really helps to get everyone's two cents -- even if it's not exactly what we want to hear, it's still nice hearing it. The anecdotes are wonderful too.

-- sunnyand85