Do you hum songs like Bryan Adams' 'I'll Always Be Right There' often? Is your phone bill higher than your salary? Do you find yourself constantly checking your inbox for messages? Well, that explains it quite right. You're in a long distance relationship (LDR).

The desperation and the pain to be away from your loved one can make you doubt your journey. But fret not. Remember the old adage, 'Distance makes the heart grow fonder'.

Also, rejoice! The term 'space' properly fits into your relationship. As cliched as it may sound , all you need is patience and trust. Here’s how you can work on your LDRs…

Thank technology
Let's thank Alexander Graham Bell for that phenomenal invention called the 'telephone', or else you'd have had to use pigeons to communicate. If he lives in Delhi's Chandni Chowk and you are in Mumbai's Borivali, what keeps you connected is this little device. But talking over the phone for long hours and then getting a bill several feet long can come as a shock. What's the solution? Get a proper plan! Get a service provider that allows you cheaper call rates or get dual SIM-cards. Some service providers will even allow free calls within the same network. Skype or any other VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service is also a great way to keep in touch. And if you can, don't forget the simple mails, electronic or otherwise. There’s also the option of sending him/her a smooch online http://apps.facebook.com/insmooch/

It's all about time
There are times when you or your better half becomes so busy, that the frequency of calls and communication decrease. Remember, this is the period when your relationship stands the test of time, quite literally! It's a no-brainer that if you truly love someone, you will take out time from tightest of schedules. If you don't, then that wasn't a relationship you valued much in the first place. On the other hand, don't make communicating with him or her entirely your day plan. Too much mushiness introduces boredom and makes you sound needy.

The Visit
There is nothing as wonderful as that hug when you see each other after a long time. Try and make it a priority at least once in a month. Physicality isn't the end all, but it's important. Seeing, feeling and hearing them in the flesh should make it up for the future days of separation.

Surprise, Surprise!
Surprises are the best part of long distance relationships. Surprise him/her with a gift at their doorstep that contains anything they love like books, CDs, clothes, and so on. You can make it a sweeter memory if you pen down a few personal lines to accompany the package or dedicate songs to them on the radio. Ensure that whatever you do, leaves a moment that you both would cherish for a long time.

Patience and Trust
Make these virtues the foundation of your relationship. Fuming about your partner being friendly with friends or colleagues of the opposite sex is immature. It's always nice to show them how much you trust them and once you do that, there is no room for cheating.

And in the end, it's all about LOVE
Remember that love conquers all. Whether it's distance, race, physicality or other factors, it's all a tiny speck which goes unnoticed when you truly love someone.