How To Survive A Long-Distance Marriage

This one is a given, but it will never work if you don't start your long-distance marriage with a baseline of trust in your partner. Surviving this chapter of your relationship will boil down to a couple of critical components: a timeline, communication, and trust. Sure, the extra letters and the spicy FaceTime sessions will keep you longing for each other, but if you don't trust your partner to stay committed, even 3,000 miles apart, you're in for a siege.

If you don't trust your spouse fully, communicate this concern before long-distance is even on the table. This could prompt trust exercises, couple's therapy, and other practices that can build a level of dedication and follow-through. If you still can't see long-distance working — or are constantly worried that your spouse is having an affair, is keeping company with questionable people, isn't telling the truth, etc., there are some deeper questions you need to consider.

If you trust your partner entirely and go into your long-distance marriage with a baseline promise and commitment to each other, you will be just fine. This period won't be easy, but you'll undoubtedly come out of it the other side a stronger couple.