What Do I Tell a Girl Who Is Scared of a Long Distance Relationship?

Most young people would say that long distance relationships are difficult -- and it's true. It takes effort to stay intimate with someone you don't see on a regular basis. But 25 to 50 percent of college students take the long-distance plunge, and for some it works. If a girl is getting cold feet about the relationship because of distance, a few reassuring thoughts may help her.

In order for a long distance relationship to work, there must be a happy ending in sight. Depending on your circumstances, it might be in a few months or a few years, but there will be a time when you can unite your daily lives. Emphasize that as long as you both decide to make it work, you will eventually get there.

A few generations ago, romantic couples separated by distance only had pen and paper to keep them together -- and sometimes it took weeks or months to receive a letter. Now you can be in contact with your girlfriend instantaneously through texting, video chat and other methods. While video chat is no substitution for physical contact, you can make it as romantic as you want. Facial expressions, body language and other visual cues can go a long way. Be creative.

When you are in the same proximity as another person, you build your relationship on common experiences. When you are away from each other, you build your relationship on conversation. According to the Journal of Communication, couples in long distance relationships are more likely to share meaningful thoughts and feelings with one another. That is music to most girls' ears.

So the saying goes -- after being apart, the time you spend together will be electric. While you might miss out on the everyday experiences that bring couples together, you'll have the unique opportunity to build memories in short but intense bursts. If you really want to make a girl's heart flutter, tell her how special those visits are going to be.

One of the scariest things about long distance relationships is the amount of trust they require. You must take each other completely at your words -- but you can't always verify your talk with actions. If you really want to seal the deal with this girl, do what it takes to earn her trust. Be open and honest with her about your life and who you are from the beginning. Hopefully she will see that the relationship is a risk worth taking, even over the distance.