Every relationship has its challenges. Having a long-distance relationship with someone overseas, let’s say in Germany, can be exciting, but simultaneously very frustrating.
Based on my experience, I can recommend the following communication tools:
— Video conference calls, on Messengers such as Skype, MSN or Yahoo can be your lifesaver (or relationship-saver!)
— Due to the time differences, it might be difficult to schedule a time for both of you to be on the computer. If you are based in Germany you have the following two options: (1) You can make free calls from the website: www.peterzahlt.de (Please note that you need a land-line for this) (2) Calling from a German land-line is cheaper than you think. On the following website you can find phone providers to make calls to the U.S. for as low as 1 Euro cent per minute! More info: www.billiger-telefonieren.de
— If you are based in the U.S., many phone providers offer international calls including free text messaging. However, most of those providers offer those minutes to landlines. Unfortunately, in Germany there is a huge difference between a land line and a cell phone line. Calling a cellphone in Germany costs an average of 16 cents per minute, so make sure you read the fine print when you sign up for a international plan. I still prefer traditional phone cards for international calls. With the following phone card provider, you do not have to purchase a physical phone card; it’s all digital nowadays: www.sendglobal.com
— From time to time, you will have to get on the plane to meet your loved one. The best site I can recommend are www.expedia.com, www.vayama.com for flights from the U.S. to Germany. Sometimes, it’s worth it to browse through the websites of the airlines. I once got a deal for almost $400 for a round trip! (That was maybe six years ago!)
I personally believe that technology can make many things for us easy. All you need are tools — and there are more out there — and use your imagination to make the relationship work. And if it does not work out for you, then maybe the distance was not the reason for it.