Maintaining Long Distance Relationships Through the Use of Gratitude, Refraining from Idealization, Commitment, and Lack of a Romantic PartnerAlesandria PosadaCalifornia Lutheran UniversityLong distance relationships are a common trend among Generation Y and have been featured in popular culture since the turn of the century; this includes films like Going the Distance, novels like Dear John, and television shows like MTV's Catfish. As young adults increase in college attendance, long-distance relationships are essential if couples are forced to live apart to pursue separate educational goals. In fact, “between 25% and 40% of romantic relationships are long-distance relationships” (Guerrero, Andersen, & Afifi, 2014). A couple's geographic separation can also include “military deployment, business travel, incarceration, and family responsibilities. The duration of a geographic separation can vary from a few minutes and hours to many months and years” (Le, Korn, Crockett, Loving, 2010). For those about to begin a long-distance relationship or who are in the beginning stages of this unique experience, the burning question couples have is: Will it last and how can I make it work? The answer to this question has many variables, including how new the relationship is and the level of commitment, but relationship maintenance behaviors can be applied to keep the long-distance relationship going. Defining Relationship Maintenance Couples maintain a relationship both consciously and unconsciously because they care for their significant other and find happiness with their partner. Dindia and Canary (1993) developed four definitions that explain the maintenance of relationships… in the middle of the document… which can be more fulfilling than geographically proximate relationships. Couples who appreciate each other, refrain from idealizing the other person, and are committed to and miss each other can make a long-distance relationship work. These three tips are helpful as more and more college students find themselves having to leave their partners to get an education, young adults must move to other states or cities to seek job opportunities, or military men and women are deployed at sea. It may seem daunting to think about the time and effort it will take to save and maintain a long-distance relationship, and peers may warn you about the complications and stress that come with this type of relationship, but if two people are committed to making it work relationship and use appropriate maintenance behaviors, a long-distance relationship can be successful.