Almost every couple has to go through periods of time when they’re apart; people have to work, and business trips are just a fact of life for many couples. For some couples, that constant separation can eventually take its toll on the relationship.

We all know that romance is essential for a successful relationship, but just because you are not in the same room as your boyfriend or husband doesn’t mean you can’t get him hot. Honing your long-distance romance skills can keep the romance alive during the times when you and your partner are apart. But before you start sending him dirty texts, you need to keep a few things in mind.

First, you have to respect your partner’s boundaries. Being a bit naughty is fun, and it can add some heat to your romance, but if your partner seems uncomfortable, stop and talk about what is OK and what isn’t next time you’re together.

Second, use common sense. Texting racy photos of yourself to his iPhone in the middle of the day when he’s likely to be in a business meeting? Bad idea. The idea is to send him seductive messages that will build up a desire for you like water to a dam that breaks the moment he sees you again. Make him want you more and more throughout the day, but don’t get him too hot and bothered during his morning staff meeting.

Sexy Texting

One of the best ways to connect from any place on the planet is with a text message. You can let him know easily that you are having a great time and keep him hot with a few seductive messages.

Remember, men are creatures with very vivid, active imaginations. The trick to long-distance romance is to give him a few hints about how much you look forward to some hot, welcome-back action, rather than just bluntly stating it. Text about your great new tan. Follow up with a text about how much you love the new bikini you bought at the mall and let his brain do the rest.

Long, Lusty Letters

When short bursts like texts on your trip start to feel less like seductive messages and more like teasing that he cannot do anything about, think about switching to email. If you have a partner who is a total romantic, he will really get into the idea of you taking time to step away from your business meetings on a company trip just to remind him that you find him sexy.

These letters should strike a perfect balance between talking about your trip and letting him know that you miss him in bed. Too much pining for his hands on your hips starts to sound desperate and sad, two things that should have no place on your vacation or business trip.

Mention things that you see or learn while away, things that make you miss his caress. Describing scents that remind you of him – scents that get you hot, no matter how far apart you may be – will help plant ideas about how you cannot wait to get home, catch that scent and then have your way with him.

Talk Dirty and Flirty

Give him a call and let him know what dirty thoughts you are having every night that he is not there. This will appeal to his ego and remind him that long-distance romance helps rediscover your desires.

Do not worry about being shy when you chat over the phone about his body pressed up against yours, or how your lips are practically quivering with anticipation for that moment when they can explore his body, or how much you are looking forward to having his lips and fingers all over you after setting a land speed record on the drive home from the airport.

If you are not comfortable getting dirty on the phone, then vocally seductive messages may not be the best way for you to spark up your long-distance romance. It may help to just let him narrate your imaginative sexual encounters over the phone, especially when you love how his voice sounds.

Teasing with Video Chat

Cameras are practically standard equipment on most laptops and mobile devices these days. That means you can be on separate continents, yet still you can get a rise out of him with your naughty dance moves or revealing vacation wardrobe.

Be sure that this only happens when you are both able to get into it. In other words, trying to have a sexy video chat while one of you is on a train, plane or bus is going to lead to some awkward glances. Plan your sexy video chats around your schedules so that you can go somewhere private, preferably your hotel room. This way, you can do everything you would if you were actually together, short of actually touching. This is a great way to ramp up the lust level beyond seductive messages, as you tease to please while he awaits your return.

Leave a Surprise

A simple way to help you keep him desperately awaiting your return is clever planning. If there is a pair of panties he goes wild over, you can tease him by leaving them under his pillow or in his sock drawer. He will see them and immediately flash to visual memories of how they look hugging your curves.

Combine little surprises like this with seductive messages, and he will be sure to keep on wanting you and feeling the long-distance romance, no matter where you go or how long you are gone. Just like your seductive messages and other long-distance romance tricks, however, be sure that you keep it practical. Sticking a thong in his suit jacket pocket, for example, could go horribly wrong if he does not discover the thong until he is in a meeting.