Many people believe that being romanced requires being in the same place at the same time, so the concept of long distance romance may seem counter-intuitive. The truth is, romance is a key ingredient in the success of a long distance relationship. It's one of the many ways to stay connected to your sweetheart who lives so far away.

So the question becomes, how does one create romance over distance? Romance can mean different things to different people and while it's true that it may be easier when you're geographically close, adding romance to your LDR is definitely worth the effort.

Ask people what they consider romantic and you're likely to hear:

        • Sending or receiving flowers (especially roses)
        • Candlelight dinners
        • Walks on the beach

But for our purposes, considering the geographical limitations, let's think outside the box.

Guys, let's get this one straight right off the bat. Flowers are ALWAYS a good idea whether you're local or long-distance. And ladies, although guys may not like to get flowers, a balloon bouquet is romantic in a whimsical kind of way.

But don't stop there. What other things can you do to romance your sweetie?

        • Create anticipation by writing a short story about a romantic date with you and your love as the main characters. Send it to your sweetheart and the next time you see each other, make the date come true.
        • Make a list of all the things you love about your partner. Tell him or her one thing from your list every time you talk. Better still, write it in a series of cards that you send through snail mail.
        • Create a blog that only the two of you can access. You can make romantic posts to each other and keep a joint journal that you share.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Once you see the appreciation and excitement your romantic gestures receive, you'll get more and more creative.

In some ways, having to work a little harder to maintain a long distance relationship makes it even stronger than one that's geographically close. Because you're always trying to find ways to keep connected and close despite the distance, you spend more time thinking about your beloved in a positive way and that's good for any relationship.

For more ideas on long distance romance, staying connected and building a strong long distance relationship, visit www.alongdistancelove.com.