Hello, I just joined the site and read your post. I sympathize with you whole heartedly! I just said goodbye to my love who hopped on a plane to travel 2000 miles. I feel hungover from crying today! I just sob and sob! We also communicate through the phone but I miss hugs and kisses so much!
Advice: How do I survive only seeing him 3 times a year? I make beaded necklaces, I write poetry, novels, fun fiction stories about anything I want. I don't have many friends and am not very social, so I don't get out much, but I think my hobbies help me stay busy. Working full time also helps keep me busy. Staying busy is the key! But, is there no hope for you two ever being together and not having to travel? Like one of you eventually moving?

Hello : ) I was in a three year LDR with my boyfriend (now husband). He joined the military as an officer in the Airforce and it wasn't an easy transition for either of us. The months apart were never easy. But I found that when I left him I would allow myself that day to cry and then choose to move on. Planning things to do with friends or family around the time you separate can help. Occupying your days after with hobbies, work, whatever you can think of is also important. It's good to remember it's okay to cry and miss them. It's okay to resent the distance. But we have to then get up and be strong for ourselves and for them. We have to take captive the negative sadness and choose to replace it with positive, hopeful thoughts. Maybe find a few things you find comforting to do after you leave him. Make it your routine so you're not just crying alone and confused. Even if the routine is sappy movies and icecream, it's something to comfort you and keep your mind focused on something other than just sadness. I used to shower and usually collapse to my knees crying. Then I'd cry till I could no longer and let the water wash away the sadness. Sometimes I'd get up after that and watch a movie with my sister who would crack jokes and find the ways to make me smile and not feel so lonely or other times id get in bed and call him till I was asleep. It'll never be an easy thing to do. The more you love him the harder it'll be to separate. But my hope is you can set an end goal when you can both hopefully be together. Then you just keep fighting for that day. Many don't have the beautiful gift of a loving relationship so through the tears find peace that you are gifted with a treasure many aren't. I'm so thankful I held on through the toughest of times. In the end it's all totally worth it! Every time you visit him, it'll remind you why you allow yourself to hurt when you're apart.