This is a response to 15 Gift Ideas For Your Long-Distance Significant Other.

Long distance is not for the faint of heart. It requires effort, communication, understanding, trust, and patience. Though these are important values in any relationship, when it comes to being long distant, the weight of these values amplifies by a thousand. It will grow you, change you, and challenge you in ways that you never expected. Doubt can creep in and you may find yourself wondering if it is all even worth it. Couples that can drive 10 minutes down the road to see each other have it way easier and can easily take for granted the time they have together. If there is a fight, one can hash it out in person and find solace by the essence of their physical presence. Body language and mannerisms help clarify context of a situation and without that, communication can be difficult when only relied on by FaceTime or phone call. When all you have is the digital world to help hold your relationship together during the distance, it requires some creativity in keeping the spark burning.

Some of my favorite tips and tricks to keeping the spark alive in a long distance relationship are found below!

* Teleparty - allows you to watch your favorite Netflix show or movie with someone else

*360 questions - running out of things to say? Ask a question for each day of the year to keep the convo alive

*Gifts - is your love language gift giving? Send flowers, post cards, candy, cookies, or gift baskets to show your appreciation.

*Personalize - make a homemade gift like a photo album or scrapbook to collect memories

*Signature scent - buy their favorite cologne or perfume they wear to remind you of them! Spray it on bed sheets, pillows, stuffed animals or a blanket.

*Online games - Play online pool, basketball, cards, scrabble etc. to create some healthy competition

*Take a funny quiz- see how y'all measure up with one another and compare answers

*Personality tests- take one of the myriad of tests to see how aligned y'all are in different personality categories.

*Watch music videos - theres something about sharing music together via playlists, but get on Youtube and take turns watching each other's favorite music videos

*Share a glass - share a happy hour over video call and catch up on life's latest events

*Taste tests - lots of companies offer tastings for wine, liquor and beer. If you are not feeling the booze, try different snacks, appetizers, or alcoholic drinks.

Whatever you both decide to do, do it in love. Enjoy the special moments that are found in person and in the distance. There is beauty in both.