The Long Distance Relationship - a Malaysian short film

Rudi & I have not been updating here lately due to work and study constraints so for that we're truly sorry!

A while back, I wrote a post on Surviving a Long Distance Relationship but recently a short 7-minute film (regarding LDR) made by a few Malaysians has been circulating on Youtube and Facebook.

The movie reminds one of PS: I Love You...

Spoiler alert to the ladies: Bring out the tissues!

Cheers,

Saran

xx

Read more »

Keys on Suits: Part Two

This is the second part of guest writer Keys miniseries on Suits. Hope it suits you!

 

Part II – The Style is in the Detail

Right. Here we are. Style. And what's style all about? DETAILS. 

So get comfortable and pay attention, because this will change your….well, if not your life than at least (hopefully) your wardrobe.

Let’s start things off with a little lesson in suit classification. There are generally three types of suits, each classed according to country. 

The American presents a young, chic and classy look.

The British portrays a proud and confident look. 

The Italian betrays the modern, individual fashionista. 

I’m personally a fan of the classic American, as its timelessness fits (almost) every occasion (otherwise known as the safe choice).

[The Mad Men. Otherwise known as the madly well dressed men.]

______________________________________________________________________________

Let’s kick off from the very top: LAPELS. . Lapels are divided into peak or notch lapels. There is also a less common third type: the shawl lapel.

Notch lapels are generally considered less formal and are classic and all-purpose, be it an evening dinner or a meeting with a client. Peak lapels are always reserved for social and formal events: proms, evening galas etc. and have no place in the business world. Shawl lapels are in the olden days used in informal suits ala dinner jackets but have since found a place in the formal society. However, they still remain an acquired taste and are not easy to pull off. If in doubt, always go notch.

Then there’s the question of single-breasted or double-breasted. Single breasted suits have one row of buttons. Double Breasts have two rows. For me, unlike how I pick my women, single breasted varieties are always the way to go - Double Breasts can be slightly old fashioned and tend to make the wearer look stockier. Though, Double Breasts add bulk to the figure (ha ha), which could be a positive thing if you're on the skinny side.

 

But how many buttons? A Brit suit fits itself with 3 buttons. I think this is slightly more traditional but it does have the advantage of accentuating height. American suits have 2 buttons and are currently the most common style among the young and modern. Unless you have beautiful cheekbones and great facial hair come i latinos, avoid the Italian one-button suit at all cost. It’ll look cheesy - like you’re trying too hard.

    

If allowed the option, always get your suit slightly tapered, unless of course, you’re one of the following:

• Rake thin - get tapered (and not just slightly!); 
• Arnie Built/ Buff/ Well endowed - no tapering…EVER!!!

Moving on to the back of the jacket, A British suit is usually found with double vents (or side vents) while an American has one (centre vent). Again, both have their purposes and remain a matter of preference. I find a British double vent more elegant and better in terms of mobility and flexibility. Italian suits are not outfitted with vents at all and are, again, an acquired taste. 

 

One detail that not everyone pays attention to are the pockets. There are breast pockets and lateral pockets (two pockets by your side). The laterals come in two styles: flap or besom. Breast pockets are ALWAYS besom. Flaps are the most common but are less formal. Besom are usually very formal, like for tuxedos. There are even options for flap/besom interchangeable pockets! (though I REALLY wouldn’t go there…)

Oh, and avoid the patch pocket like the devil. Again, we’re talking suits here, not dinner jackets.

                
 

Moving a little to the south, we (finally!) get to the trousers (or pants!).  First thing to consider is flat front, or pleats.  Flat fronts, a modern fashion, provide a slimming effect and are good for thin folks. Single-pleats provide more room and movement freedom. Double-pleats are…let’s just say they’ve gone with the times. And let’s not even talk about triple or quadruple pleats. (yes they do exist…sadly.)

 Single Pleat(left) vs Flat Front(right)

Second thing to decide is whether you want your pants cuffed. Cuffed are more formal but makes the leg looks shorter and vice-versa for the uncuffed.  There is one rule here: Flat fronts= no cuffs

    Cuffed(L) vs Non-cuffed (R)

Now that you’re (I hope!) educated in the different styles, in the next episode, we’ll find out how a suit should SIT on you -so that you know what to look for when you go to the malls, instead of having to be completely dependent on your tailor! Stay tuned!

Read more »

Feel Free

Fellas, if you have an upcoming date with a fashion forward chick, read this article to delve into understanding the mind of a fashionista. This is guaranteed to increase your chances of scoring. 60% of the time it works. Every time. Courtesy of Li Yen @ Kaitlin & Summer

 

www.kaitlinandsummer.com

 _____________________________________________________________________________



"I never look at labels when I buy clothes... What really grabs me is whether clothes are comfortable or not. I like to feel free" Audrey Tautou, Vogue UK, August 2009.

First of, I have to say that as hard as we try to forget our labels, truth be told, people (girls) do not forget. Especially our favourite labels. But what I'm talking about today is comfort-amnesia - when we forget to consider whether we're going to be comfortable wearing or donning our purchases. 

I can honestly say there have been too many times in my life when I thought that I could walk in those shoes (explaining that pile of shoeboxes in my closet) or wear that dress simply because I liked the shoes or the dress and didn't think much about the way I was going to feel in them. 

Yes, the final result would presumably look stylish and attractive, otherwise I wouldn't have put those things on to begin with... but more often than not, the clothes in question were chosen for ideal situations where the roads are flat and spaghetti is not a menu item. 

What real life mannequins we all can be. As the quote goes, 'Women suffer for fashion' (and men suffer for women) - funny how we are all sadomasochists at heart.

As I got older I realised that no matter how much I like a certain item it is never going to work if a) it does not fit perfectly b) it requires me to change my (life)style in order for me to wear it.

I still vividly recall the horrible feeling of walking in very uncomfortable shoes (especially those that cut!) simply because they looked good with the outfit I planned in my mind. I did look good... but what excruciating pain I experienced a couple of hours later.
 
Another silly situation is to go out in a dress or top that's not a perfect fit. The glamourous and sensual look you're after goes down the drain from repeated costume adjustments and fidgeting all evening.

My advice to all the girls is to remind yourself of how important it is to choose clothes that suit you AND fit you and your personality. Wear heels, but spend the money on the perfect pair, aesthetic and fit-wise. 

Girls (and Boys), buy clothes that make you feel confident and stylish at the same time. Don't pick up pieces that require you to change your lifestyle, go on a diet, or sell your grandmother. 

Buy clothes that make you feel...
what's the word?
oh yes.




free. 


___________________________________________________________________
Li Yen is the co-proprietor of Kaitlin & Summer - a dream boutique for like-minded shopaholics.

Read more »

Keys on Suits: Part One

 

 

Let's give a good ol' warm welcome to our newest, freshest, off-the-vine guest writer - 

He's hip. He's bold. He's stylish. He's straight. And he's our in-house authority on all things suit-able. 

Ladies and gentlemen... we proudly present Keys - reporting on Suits.  

 

SUITS – Part One

So you’ve reached that age, where hormones rage and nerves wrack.  (If you haven’t, feel free to steer away from this page.) 

Prom is around the corner. You’ve got that first job interview. Either ways you need to dress to impress. In the very words of the legend, it’s time to…

Learning to suit up is a sign that you’ve turned that corner. You’ve said “farewell” to adolescence and “welcome” to adulthood. Unfortunately many approach this phase haphazardly, picking up the first blazer off the rack, trying it on and taking it straight to the cashier. Your first thought was that all suits look the same anyway, so it won’t matter. Then you go home, try it on one more time and wonder why the model in the picture looked so much better.

Sound familiar? 

No, it’s not entirely because the model’s 50 times more ripped or that he’s just so hot it doesn’t matter what he wears. It’s simply because he has a wardrobe department that knows its stuff. The awesome thing about a suit is that if it’s well-fitted, it hides all flaws. Heck it can even CREATE an illusion of a well-toned body! (cue the nodding, disappointed girls…)  

Ol’ Stinson might have left out a few pointers, so here’s the 101 to owning a suit. To put it in a nutshell, it’s all in the details. 

First things first, define the occasion: If you’re dressing up for a formal occasion, go all out and don’t be afraid to shine. Think tuxedos or even possibly morning coats. An exception would be a wedding party, where it’s an unspoken rule (the “bro code”) that you should never, under any circumstance, outshine the groom.

Find out how awesome (or not) he’s going to be and dress accordingly (if you can). Same thing goes for a job interview. Dress down as to not outshine your future boss, yet at the same time remaining smart. A smart, navy blue business suit would be most appropriate. If you’re skint (or just can’t afford multiple suits), settle for an all-purpose, classic black business suit. Remember, subtlety is key.

Rule 2: Honour thy tailor. Tailored suits are more expensive than off-the-rack suits, even if they’re not Hugo Boss or Armani, and for good reason. They’re MADE for you. Thanks be to a God who made us all individuals, but that also means that there is no such thing as a standard cut, no free size. We all have different bodies, so an identical suit will sit completely differently on 2 guys, even if they’re similarly built. So, if you can spare the extra cash and can’t be bothered with learning about the various suit details, find a good tailor and tip him well. Even if an off-the-rack is all you want, you will still need the tailor to shorten this and tuck in that. A good tailor is as hard to find as an honest mechanic, so if you know one, make him your best friend. Because he WILL make you look good.

Rule 3: Know your suit. These pictures below are a small rundown of every single part of a suit. Remember them well. Even if you have the best tailor in the world, you still need to know what style you want it in. This knowledge is also especially important for the next part of this series, where you’ll find out how suits differ and how they’ll… suit… you and make you, the man! 

Front	Back

Rule 4: Comfort. If it’s not comfortable, it probably doesn’t fit. And no, oversized suits are NOT comfortable, no matter how you argue it. And skintight suits? Let’s not go there. Ever. 

Rule 5: Don’t mix and match. It’s not even funny. Make sure the jacket and pants you buy come off the same piece of cloth. SIMILAR IS NOT THE SAME. And the colours of your entire suit MUST be EXACTLY the same unless intended otherwise (and I mean intended by the designer, NOT YOU). We’re talking suits here, not dinner jackets.

These are the first five basics all men should know. In the following parts, we’ll analyze the finer details of suits that will make you an Adonis equivalent as well as the faux paxes to be avoided at ALL costs. Stay tuned!

Keys.

Read more »

Style Tip #263: The Fitted Leather Jacket

There are certain things in this world that no badass should live without, among them - a perfectly tailored suit, a good woman, a fast car and last but not least:

A Fitted Leather Jacket.

Now, many of you would never even have considered ever donning a leather jacket. For fear of Fonzie, or for fear of an already insanely warm climate (Malaysians, you know what I'm talkin' bout). Fair enough. Leather jackets are not tropical country standard issue. 

But if you're going on an overseas trip to a temperate country, and, like most straight men, you do not see the logic in bringing 3 suitcases (1 for shoes, 1 for winter clothing and 1 for standard run of the mill necessaries), man, do I have a prescription for you.

 The next time you take a trip to a country that has more seasons than you have hands, the only article of temperate clothing you need is a fitted leather jacket. Allow me to explain:

A fitted leather jacket can take you from an afternoon at the Lourve to an evening of love.

Wearing a suit jacket during an evening date may be perfectly acceptable (and arguably the norm), but consider this: anyone who trots around day and night in a suit jacket is likely to be seen as trying a little too hard. Plus, it's not as cool anymore because too many guys are doing it. 

A fitted leather jacket, on the other hand, sends out subtle tones of nonchalance stirred in with a dash of rugged suaveness - the holidaymaker sweet spot, so to speak. 

A fitted leather jacket is also perfectly suitable for a night out with a special lady - so long as you're not taking her to a black tie event, wearing a fitted leather jacket over a crisp white shirt makes you look laidback, approachable and fun, as opposed to donning a relatively more uptight suit.

Make sure you get a fitted leather jacket, and not one which makes you look like you're hoarding weapons of mass destruction. And I'm not referring to your 'guns'. 

 

Less of this

And more of this

Remember, when choosing any article of clothing for that matter - the golden rule is to always wear clothes that look like they were made for you. The leather jacket is far from being an exception. Tapered sleeves and a slim silhouette are characteristics that will go a long way towards making you look sharp, polished and suave. 

As for the color, there is no strict rule. Certain people prefer black leather while others lean more towards the brown variety. My personal recommendation would be to go the way of dark brown - it's a classy shade that shys away from 50s Grease imagery and instead, invokes a sense of sophistication and high-style. 

 As Ron Burgundy would say, "You stay badass, San Diego"

Read more »

Suits You, Sir!

Coming soon

The Ultimate Guide to Suits & All That Is Good

and a special guest post by Li Yen of Kaitlin & Summer

Read more »

5 perks of Having a Boyfriend

So I was watching a video by WongFu Productions:

and well, here is my version of my 5 perks of having a boyfriend.

#1 He pays for everything.

But like what Rick says as above, it's not a perk it's an INJUSTICE.

...Fine. I'll play fair too.

REAL #1 He is your Knight in Shining Armour

...when you're bullied. Your Knight tackles them with brutal eloquence.

...when it comes to killing horrendous creepy crawlies (only God knows why those creatures were brought into existence).

...when you freak out when your tech gadget freezes, because you're technologically disabled - and he's not. He then patiently gives you a step-by-step, because...men like solutions.

#2 He calls you Beautiful all the time

Now the male species may not care if they are not reminded of their muscular, and chiselled looks everyday (I may be wrong), but as for the female species...it's a whole different story (I may be wrong too).

A little appreciation, even if it is dishonest at times does work wonders in making you feel less...crappy. With sticky green goo exiting your nose, it's hard to be called anything except...boogery.

Men, a little white lie goes a loooong way.

Instant affection.

#3 He buckles when you get Upset (mostly, when you Cry)

Women, this is our secret weapon.

Not in the mood to go alone to that event your friends are making you go to? State your reasons, and get a little tremble in your voice...

"Okay honey I'll follow you, I'll just skip that match. Don't be upset okay?"

Had a rough day at work, get home and find out there's a sink full of dirty dishes from last night and you have to make dinner?

The pressure can be too much, and you find yourself getting hot and bothered and finally...the tears start falling.

Relax. He's driven over and already got his Spanish Torero apron on, peeling potatoes for his very delicious Shepard's pie.

Not only that...he washes up with little or no complaints!

Woman on top? Definitely.

#4 He inspires you

A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge - Thomas Carlyle

It's great to be with someone who inspires you; someone you admire. Be it his academic ability, his sporting ability, or his personal character - you can always learn something new from him.

Don't believe in yourself? Well, he does and encourages you every step of the way ensuring you don't doubt yourself again.

An amazing boyfriend isn't one who showers you with kisses and gifts, but is one who supports and motivates your passions.

With so much experience to share, the both of you can inspire each other to be the best person you (and he) can be.

#5 Romance

Everyone needs a little romance in their lives.

The little heart jumps when he's knocking on your door for your weekend dates, the rising colour in your cheeks when you catch him intensely looking at you, the smile he puts on your face when he surprises you with a hand-written poem he took all weekend to compose...

Sometimes, being silly brings out the romance in us too - as Rose Franken once said:

Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly

***

Of course, having a boyfriend is also great for a whole lot of other stuff...

*clears throat*

Anyway. So ladies, what are YOUR perks of having a boyfriend?

And men, what are your perks of having a girlfriend? I've never had one, you see...

Read more »

Style Tip #262: Glasses

When I was young, I told my dad I wanted a pair of glasses.


"Are you having trouble seeing?" he asked.


"No. I just want to look cool!"


So I graduated into my very first pair of grandfather-style-aviator spectacles as an 11 year old schoolboy. With a degree of -0.25 on each side, I was proud to add. 

Truth is, I didn't need glasses, but I wanted them. I didn't understand it at the time, but all I knew was that wearing glasses could give you some sort of unannounced power over the non-spectacle wearing bunch at school. It exclaimed intelligence. Status. Power. And that was a lot for an 11 year old to have in primary school. My prepubescent female classmates digged it and they let me know (in innocent, unadulterated ways). 


For all the mysterious allure that a wire frame could add to one's face, I have to admit that looking back, I sure looked like a doofus in primary school. Till my mom got the better of me and replaced my grandfather aviator glasses with a more complimentary classic frame that took me through the rest of high school and part of college, before my discovery of contact lenses.

We're often told that we shouldn't hide our eyes - instead, letting their beauty bask in all their glory is a must in succeeding aesthetically in life. That's true. But I'd say that far from being a bane, wearing the correct spectacles on the correct occasions can in fact, bolster your physical appeal as well as your professionalism, self confidence and credibility. 




I'm currently in the business of IT consulting for legal professionals - where I meet lawyers on a daily basis. Without my glasses, I'm just another 25 year old green chap out of university, trying his level best to get a client to agree with my proposition that software systems can and will revolutionize his practice. 


But with my recent acquisition of a pair of dark rimmed classic frame spectacles, I instantly transform my market positioning into a more mature looking, professional and most importantly, credible 25 year old IT consultant. Clients respond better to me. They nod when I present facts. They treat me with the utmost professional courtesy. Oh what a difference a frame makes. 

What I'm saying is that this world we live in is a shallow one. We dismiss people on first impressions (often within 5-10 seconds of meeting them). We judge based on what they wear, how they speak and how they move. We brush aside those who are disadvantaged by youth and inexperience. 

So as a man, whatever you can do to make yourself look more prominent, more mature, more credible, more professional - do it. Like getting a pair of glasses today. 

Read more »

Style Tip #261: White Trousers

Clean.


Fresh.


Summer.




White trousers summed up in 3 words.




A lot of straight guys shy away from white trousers for fear of looking gay (why that is still used as a derogatory term, I do not know. Due respect to all homosexual friends/readers) or in local terms, like an ah beng (unfashionable Malaysian delinquent often characterized by wild dyed hair, bell bottoms and a portruding groin strut). 


When it comes to trousers, the average straight guy lives and dies on black slacks and denim jeans. White trousers are the best way to add some color to your bottom half.


As with all articles of clothing, you can pull off white trousers as long as you comply with the two golden guidelines of style: fit and coordination. And confidence. And the ability to count. 




Fit


Slim straight cut. Buy everything in slim straight cut whenever possible. It's the cut that will flatter 80% of men out there, even if you're a little on the heavy or light side. Stay away from baggy or skinny cuts unless you make a living rapping or playing in a rock band, respectively (note: as opposed to revolutionary fashion - this is a classic mens' style publication).

Oh and yeah, Elvis is dead. Get over it. 


Burn all your bell bottoms. 

Coordination

Utilize white trousers for non-formal, weekend-ish outings. Lacoste's range of polo tees go very well with white trousers, specifically less striking and more neutral colors like navy blue and deep purple. I personally wouldn't recommend going all-white. It just looks... too white. Not that being white is a bad thing. Just like how being black isn't. Or yellow. Or brown. I'm talking about colors by the way.


As for your footwear/belts, you have two options - dark brown leather or white. Again, I would prefer dark brown leather because white trousers and a white belt just makes you look wayyy too... white. On the other hand, dark brown leather lends a very nice color contrast (see above) and should be used generously. 






Happy whitifying, gentlemen!

Read more »

How to Have 'Stage Presence'

He enters the room.

All eyes are upon him. 

He walks towards you.

Everybody follows his every move.

He shakes your hand and gently smiles.

Everybody smiles back at the natural charisma overflowing from the depths of his soul.

"Stage Presence"

Believe it or not, you can be that man. 

Sure, some of you might say, "But I'm not good looking... or fit... or tall... or smart enough"

But what if I told you that you can possess the above "stage presence" with just three simple adjustments to the way you first appear in front of a crowd?

1. Smile. Slightly.

Wherever you go, whatever you do - wear a slight smile.

A consistent slight smile indicates to your surroundings that you are extremely self assured. Extremely confident. Extremely in control.

You can opt to walk around with a full toothy smile... if you want everyone to think you've just had sex.

But no, seriously, save the full toothy smile for situations that truly deserve a full toothy smile - e.g. meeting an old friend, when your conversation partner is telling a great joke, etc. Overusing the toothy smile runs you the risk of looking like Eddie Murphy. A plastic Eddie Murphy. 

2. Maintain Erect-ness.

I'm sure none of you had any inappropriate sexual thoughts at the mention of the word "erect" so I will not address that. Of course you're aware that I was referring to posture. 

Posture is arguably the most vital component of confidence. You must remain erect at all times. To ascertain your correct degree of erection, stand with your back flat against a wall - the only parts of your body that should be touching the wall are your head and your bum. Now that's your perfect posture. Don't worry, you don't look stuck up. If anything, you're just looking like an erect, sexy beast.

Now for the next 4 weeks, make an effort to be conscious of maintaining this posture (leaning against walls in public places to reset your posture, if necessary) and in no time, you'll be walking around fully erect like Rocco Siffredi.  

3. Pause at the doorway.

Now this is a Broadway industry secret. When an actor enters the stage for the first time, he appears into public view and then... pauses. Taking his time... surveying his surroundings, sizing up the crowd... he pauses... and then proceeds to make his grand entrance. 

  

This nifty move can up your ante from a "nice, pleasant man" to Broadway superstar. In fact, employing this simple doorway entrance method is probably the most dramatic yet socially acceptable way of subtly informing a whole room of your presence solely through the use of body language.  

Now here's how to pull it off:

• Enter the room.
• Pause at the entrance/doorway, employing a subtle power stance (legs slightly apart, hands by your side)
• Take your time to look around the room and size up your surroundings. Make slight eye contact with random people if possible. Maintain your slight smile. At this point, a lot of people may be looking at you and subconsciously wondering if you own the place. 
• After soaking in the bask of glory, proceed.

Now this four step procedure may have more than half of you balking/laughing in amusement - but if executed to perfection, will have people thinking "I don't know what it is about this guy... but he's got STAGE PRESENCE!". 

Lastly, remember - be deliberate in every move you make. Don't rush anything. Truly confident people don't feel the need to quickly escape the public view. They know they're putting on a show for the masses, and they love it.

Read more »

Surviving an LDR aka. Long Distance Relationship

LDR what?

Here's an acronym worth knowing, as essential as the ever-saving LBD. Lil' Black Dress if you were wondering.

The Kardashians in LBDs

So. It's the LDR, also known as the dreaded Long Distance Relationship.

You fall in love with an amazing girl, with the thought that she'll never leave your side.

Well, she does and- BAM! You're saying your stiffly sniffles, waving goodbye and assuring her (and yourself) a little distance won't hurt.

Welcome to the LDR Club.

You're officially in a 'Long Distance Relationship'.

Cringing at the thought?

Considered one of the worst types of relationships as the distance may not necessarily make the heart fonder, but in fact yonder far...and beyond, thank your lucky stars you're not in one.

But if you are and still going strong, well I say brownie points and may you survive the distance and time until you are finally together (literally).

Luckily for you, I've got some effective advice for surviving a Long Distance Relationship.

1. It's HARD work, so it needs EXTRA effort

Not nobody, but everybody has had something to say before you embarked on one of the hardest journeys ever: Keeping your relationship with that girl who is a 2 hour flight away from you or even worse, in a -8 hour timezone.

Have free text and minutes? Use it on your relationship.

No such luxury?

Make use of Skype, Oovoo (up to 6 people can video talk at once) or even Facetime through your swanky new iPhone 4s while shopping for groceries at downtown Tesco because you are missing that pasta dish she makes so well and recreating it will make you feel thaat much closer to her.

Facetime on the iPhone

Committed men tend to handle LDRs better (in my experience), but well, you know women.

Nag, nag, nag.

Whine, whine, whine.

Cry, cry, cry.

Dudeee. But you're still there for her because this distance hubba is just temporary and you really, really do love her.

Women in an LDR hate feeling insecure so any decreased activity in affection will result in an atomic bomb blowing up over the phone. Or even that dreaded text: I hate you I never want to talk to you again!

LDRs need even harder work and it tests the capability of the both of you whether you can weather the storm (of a couple of months, or even years).

Question is, can you take the extra mile?

I've witnessed quite a number of failed LDRs, and it's saddening to see how one just stops working on the relationship.

Love gives life, and life keeps you living. When love diminishes, it just brings death.

It's a fact. Heartbreak is painful.

I always say: A relationship shouldn't be a one-way road. Give and take.

That's how some LDRs are able to work. Each partner gives love, and both receives love. It's a win-win beneficial relationship which then grows and strengthens your bond.

2. Be Understanding

He's in a different time zone. She's working a night shift.

Don't give your partner beef because she wasn't on Skype at the promised time.

Creating fights when you are not in close proximity takes a longer time to heal so try not to get upset over trivial issues.

3. Communicate Daily

Here's one of the best advice on keeping a relationship strong. Long distance or not. You have to communicate with one another EVERY, SINGLE day (if you can).

Bollocks about "we're cool, we can just Skype over the weekend" crap. Events happen so quickly, especially if you're both busy that weekend chats will pass by in a blur.

You don't want to wait until the weekend to share your thoughts, experiences, etc. You might even forget the urgent issues and further widen the communication gap between you two.

Too tired? Text your lover goodnight, sending instructions where to meet you in your dreams. At least when your partner reaches home he'll be able to sleep with a smile on his face, knowing that you love him.

Communication builds a strong foundation of understanding, and you become more emphatic towards what your partner is experiencing in her part of the world.

4. Don't Stray

With or without an LDR. It's a no-no rule in the relationship bible.

Straying just because that chick was more convenient (right there to talk to, etc) is wrong.

Before you undress her with your eyes (and soon enough, fingers), imagine how YOU would feel if your girlfriend back home a thousand miles away happens to be doing the same exact act to a man who isn't you. Also, one who is possibly hotter, funnier & smarter than you?

Like shit, right?

So just don't do it. It's not worth losing your relationship.

5. Set Future Goals

A long distance relationship should always have an expiry date, so the both of you can expect when this long and tedious long distance relationship will end.

Remember. Internally, women have biological clocks and whether or not it has kicked in, if you can't give a definite answer when you are coming back chances are she might be looking elsewhere later on to not waste her time on you.

6. Keep the Spark ALIVE!

Long distance relationships are a breeding ground for inactivity and boredom, so relight that spark or keep it going on by being creative.

Surprise her with a visit, plan trips together, send her a handwritten love letter (e-mails just don't cut it, sorry. Letters have that 'raw' edge and really, when was the last time you received a personal love letter other than bills?), and loads more!

There are so many creative and cool ideas you can muster up (or source online) and present to your woman.

Even if some are downright lame, she'll applaud your initiative and this will earn you brownie points redeemable when you next see her... Now boys, wouldn't you want that? ;)

I hope that helped!

P.S: If you're asking if it's worth it being in a Long Distance Relationship... Well, if you can imagine yourself with that beautiful person in the future and it feels right, then by all means, follow your instinct!

Oh, and a Happy Rabbit Year to all!

- Saran

xx

Read more »