You calculate exactly how late it's going to be when they become available again. You have to add or subtract some hours dependent on how many time zones away they are. You make a list of important things that have happened throughout the day on your phone so you don't forget to tell them. Then finally you're able to get on FaceTime or Skype for an hour or two before one or both of you needs to sleep because you'll be up early the next day. This is the life, the hardships, the joy and the pain of a long distance relationship. Thankfully, you aren't alone. While I myself am still somewhat new to being in a long distance relationship, here are some tips to help you and your sweetheart keep in contact while you're away.

1. The Couple App

This app has done wonders for many long distance couples, myself included. This app lets you connect with another person who has the app and do all sorts of things. It lets you exchange text messages and pictures and you can draw together. My favorite feature is the thumbkiss. Thumbkiss lets you and your partner touch the screen at the same time; when you touch the same spot on the screen for a certain amount of time both phones vibrate, "simulating" a kiss for both partners. My boyfriend and I communicate almost exclusively through Couple, even when we are in the same place.

2. Find a routine that works for both of you

I live on the East Coast and my boyfriend lives on the West Coast, making for a three hour time difference. Because of this, we've found that right before bed is really the only time that consistently works for FaceTime. We relay the next day's schedule during these sessions (when we remember to, anyway) and make sure that we communicate this way at least most nights. Our jobs can and will make this harder as time goes on, but it's incredibly important to make time for your partner and let them know when time is simply not available that night.

3. Play games together

Whether it's comparing scores on the Candy Crush leaderboards, playing co-op in games like Terraria or Portal 2 or trying to wreck each other in competitive games like Hearthstone, the couple that plays together, stays together. I'll admit, I've had to blow my boyfriend off a couple times when he's asked for game nights because of my busy schedule, but when we do game together we have an absolute blast. There's nothing that keeps the romantic spark alive quite like a loving competitive streak.

4. Netflix and Skype/Text

For those of us that really like to binge watch any and all television, this may be a good option for you. My boyfriend and I would decide on a show, call each other, and on the count of three start the show at the same time. Once we did this we'd hang up and live text throughout the show giving our thoughts and reactions. It felt just like he was 3,000 miles closer again. When it's time for the next episode, call and countdown again. It's really fun and you still get to keep up on your shows together.

5. Good ol' fashioned snail mail

Nothing is more surprising, and more exciting, than finding a love letter in your mailbox a la Dear John (you know, without the Nicholas Sparks drama that goes along with it). Having something physical like this in your hand that shows they took time to write, package and mail it, makes all the difference. Granted, it's harder to re-read over and over again under the covers in the dark before you go to bed, but it's a great keepsake and you have something you can respond to outside of the day-to-day texts.

6. Stargazing

If the time zones work out just right, it's always fun to lay down on a blanket, call your S.O and look up at the same night sky. I'll admit this one is tiring because it'll be much later for one of you than it is the other, but it's worth doing every once in a while. It's worth it to remember that no matter how far you are, at least you're looking at the same moon.

So, those are just some of the ways to survive the distance. It's difficult and frustrating, it's never the easiest, but in the end, it's always worth it.

Happy Loving!