For instance, you might designate a 30-minute window every day to message back-and-forth or to talk on the phone. Use free apps like Facebook Messenger, Kik, and Whatsapp to stay in touch without high phone bills. Make it a habit to say, “Good morning,” and “Good night. ” If you live in different time zones, try to keep up with what time of day the other person is experiencing.

For example, start by comparing your interests, like your favorite movies, bands, and books. As you get to know each other better, you might take an online personality quiz and share the results with each other.

Connecting on social media can help your relationship feel more real since you’ll be able to interact with each other’s friends and family online.

For example, let’s say you don’t make much money at your job. Don’t tell your partner that you’re financially successful. Similarly, let’s say you’re going to an event that you ex is attending. Before you go, tell your partner, “My ex will be at the party tonight, but you don’t have anything to worry about. It’s over between us. ”

Send them a basic outline of your daily schedule. You might write, “Wake up at 6:00 a. m. , work from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. , gym from 5:15 p. m. to 6:15 p. m. , dinner from 6:30 p. m. to 7:30 p. m. , hobbies from 7:30 to 9:30 p. m. , and relax from 9:30 p. m. to 10:00 p. m. ” Ask your partner to prepare a similar schedule for you.

For instance, Skype, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger all allow you to video chat for free. Choose a service that works for you.

Try to do at least 1 nice thing for them every week. Vary the ways you express your feelings. For instance, send an e-card 1 week, mail a necklace the next week, then send them a playlist.

You might text them, “I’m thinking about kissing you right now,” or “What are you wearing right now?”

Don’t include anyone else in your special activities. These are like dates, so you don’t want to invite extra people.

For example, you might both agree to read the book The Hunger Games or you might decide to both watch The Office. When you’re reading or watching, remind yourself that your partner is going to be doing it as well. This can help you feel more connected to them.

Consider sending each other something with your smell, like a t-shirt. As your relationship continues, you might exchange more items to help you feel more intimate with each other.

You might say, “I want this relationship to be long-term, so I’m hoping that we’ll eventually live in the same place. ”

Your relationship goals might be, “We’ll be exclusive to each other,” “We’ll talk every day,” and “We’ll work on plans to live in the same city. ”

For example, you might need to save money for a trip, take time off work, buy a plane ticket, rent a hotel room, and get a ride to the airport. Try to create a timeline for your trip so it feels like you can really make it happen.

Try to spend time with friends or relatives at least once a week. However, more time is even better! Share your online relationship with the people in your life so that everyone knows about it. Treat it just like you would an in-person relationship.