Long distance relationships suck.

Really, they do. But if you find yourself in a geographically challenged partnership you can totally reduce the suckage by establishing a few simple laws. The important part is to make sure those laws match your relationship style, and both partners physical and emotional needs. And since the typical “true love waits” sentiment is completely overdone, and in my opinion, a crock of shit, here are my revised rules for long distance dating:

1. Communicate! Talk, text, write, twit, picture share or otherwise communicate in some way everyday. And be open about how you’re feeling and whether things are working.
2. Get with the times and get a webcam! A private video conference every couple days can help keep you connected and build up the physical attraction even when you’re thousands of miles away.
3. Faithfulness is in the heart, not between the legs. If you don’t think you can keep your urges to yourself then be honest with your partner. Decide if that’s a factor in your relationship and set ground rules on what is acceptable and what is not.
4. Be honest!!! In this day and age of stalker tools and public internet transparency, you’re gonna get caught so you might as well be straightforward! If you went out, got drunk, and spent the evening hanging all over the hottest thing your beer goggles could find, confess before we see the pictures of your tongue down their throat tagged to you on myspace. It’s only right.
5. Make friends with their friends (at least online). Become an active part in each other’s social circles in some way to help bridge the gap and feel like you are a part of their everyday lives. It also helps you see your partner from another perspective.
6. Quit while you’re ahead. We’ve all been there… when the relationship isn’t good anymore. When it’s more work than reward and you spend your days lonely and sad. Don’t do that to yourself or your partner. Sure, cutting the ties are hard, but dragging them along until someone really gets hurt is just cruel.

In the end love from afar is complicated and requires a greater level of trust and communication to make up for all the one-on-one face time that traditional couples have. Otherwise the same rules apply. Respect, honesty, and communication. That is all.

Boating under the influence? Not in MY state!

Every summer people rush to the local lakes and parks to escape the Arizona heat. But what often starts out as a fun way to cool off from the summer sun can turn into tragedy in a moment’s notice when alcohol is involved. Every year local news is filled with reports of injured swimmers, drownings and other tragic boating accidents and in most cases alcohol was a factor in the event. Help us combat alcohol related boating deaths by encouraging smart and responsible boating and help keep this summer fun and safe!

For more information on boating safety and regulations, please visit these resources:

Boating Operating Under the Influence

Arizona Boating

Boating Education Online