Welcome to Exhale’s biweekly column ‘Your relationship questions answered’, by Hava Rahimian. Hava is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Life and Relationship Coach. You can email your relationship question to her at [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future column. Our first column deals with ‘love from afar’.

Dear Hava

I’m in a long distance relationship and I’m finding it’s becoming more difficult to keep the connection strong. How can I foster a deep connection with my partner while remaining patient through the process?

— Love from Afar

Dear Love,

Long distance relationships can be challenging but at the same time can be very fulfilling and rewarding. These relationships force you to dig deep and make the most of your time together, whether that’s on the phone or during short in- person visits. Skip the small talk and get curious about each other. Sometimes we feel impatient because we are feeling our emotional connection wavering; when you strengthen that bond you’ll find you will be less antsy and more centered and secure.

Remember that in long distance relationships, you often “see” each other when you’re mostly joyous and a good mood. Getting curious about your partners day to day routines, challenges, and triumphs will lead to a deeper more meaningful relationship that can not only withstand space and distance, but the test of time.