The Long-Distance Relationship Survival Guide

Book excerpt: Skyrocketing phone bills. Layovers and missed flights. Countless hours spent pining, worrying, and wondering, Why do we do this to ourselves? Long-distance love can be one challenge afteranother, but as most committed couples will tell you, the rewards well outweigh the stresses. In this sensitive yet sensible guide, long-distance veterans Chris and Kate provide strategies for making the distance seem shorter and outline eight essential skills for relationship success: Communicating effectively Establishing mutual goals and expectations Dealing with issues of trust, fidelity, and independence Having fun in spite of the distance Managing time, schedules, and stress Keeping the relationship real Balancing sex and emotional intimacy Making the transition to same-city living Based on interviews with more than 100 couples and packed with knowledgeable tips and honest advice, THE LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL GUIDE proves that, with patience and dedication, a loving relationship can not only survive but also thrive across the miles.