Long distance relationships used to be rather rare. After all, you used to simply date those who were in your zip code because it was easier, it was more convenient, and that’s who you knew.

But in today’s world of electronic communication and better transportation, things are changing. We meet people who aren’t in our city and we begin relationships with those in other parts of the country.

The only question is – can these relationships work? Yes, yes they can. Here’s how:

• Be clear about what you want – If you just want someone to date, that’s fine, but if you’re looking for a long term partner, you need to say so up front. Having conflicting ideas about where the relationship is headed is an easy way to create a long distance disaster.
• Communicate often – This is a time when communication is easier than ever. So, make sure to talk often and to talk about things other than what you did today.
• Visit each other – You can’t build and sustain a relationship on emails and instant messaging alone. You need to both be willing to visit each other until you make a decision to break up or move into one location together.
• Be thoughtful – Since you’re not in each other’s lives on a daily basis, you will want to make sure you are being extra thoughtful about special occasions.
• Be honest – When you feel as though things aren’t working out, let the other person know, try to work things out, and if it’s still not working, be honest about it.

Long distance relationships don’t last forever, as someone always moves in the end when they work out. So, to make sure yours goes the distance, follow this advice.

Dating Essentials Communication, Compatibility, Foreign, Long Distance Relationship

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a rule book that came along with your online dating membership? Remember that when flirting online, getting hit on three times means that you should go on a date with the prospective suitor. Calling before the next date seems needy, etc.

But there isn’t a rule book. You simply figure out what you need to do along the way.

There are three simple rules that you should follow if you want to not only be successful in your online dating, but to also be a popular person to hook up with:

1. Be open to everyone – This is not the time to be picky. Give everyone a chance, but dismiss those that don’t appeal to you.

2. Take a chance – You will need to meet people IRL (in real life) after a while. Be the one to make that date and to follow through on seeing if you have chemistry in the real world too.

3. Realize that someone is out there – If you’re automatically assuming that no one is going to suit you, you’re right. But if you keep in mind that there is someone out there looking for someone like you, you’re right too.

Okay, other rules that I think are pretty obvious? Be clean, brush your teeth, and NEVER be late to a date. But you already knew these, right? Right?

Dating Essentials Compatibility, Needy, Rules

While we might want to believe that celebrities date other celebrities just to stay in same kind of attractiveness factor, that’s not always the case. Because of the schedules that many of these celebrities have, it’s just easier to date someone that ‘gets’ what you have to do and what it takes to do your job.

Why should it be any different for those in professional public service jobs?

At thebadge.org, police officers, emergency medical professionals and fire fighters can meet other singles in their lines of work, helping to connect these courageous people. But because you’re meeting people in the same line of work, you’re already going to have something in common, plus you’re going to be with someone who ‘gets’ your life and your responsibilities.

Your line of work takes you out at all hours of the day and night in dangerous situations. You have to drop everything for strangers and you can’t simply say ‘no’ when the fire bell rings or if you get an emergency call.

And other singles on the site understand.

While this site is still growing, there is no doubt that helping to focus your possible dating pool is going to help you find the perfect someone to love. After all, you’re meeting someone who cares about everyone else’s well being – why not about yours too?

Reviews Attractive, Compatibility, Love, Meet People, Singles, Work