What are some relationship tips for couples in a long-distance marriage?

What are some relationship tips for couples in a long-distance marriage?

Use the term “commuter marriage” in place of a “long-distance marriage”:
Pollster Mark Penn uses this term in his 2007 book, Microtrends.   Statistically speaking, commuter marriages are a growing, noteworthy trend reflecting our more mobile, work-oriented society.  Increasing numbers of dual career couples are determining that it is necessary to live apart to further their careers.  According to Microtrends, an estimated 1.7 million married people were living apart in 1990.  By 2007, this number more than doubled to 3.5 million.  Commuting coupes tend to embrace virtual communication and the term “commuter marriage” celebrates the technological savvy and travel your relationship demands.  The term “long-distance marriage” implies distance, disconnection and disengagement.  The term “commuter marriage” is more suitable and implies flexibility and world citizenship.

Respond to judgmental questions with statistics:
In past generations, it was inconceivable that a woman would live alone, let alone generate enough income to warrant a deliberate decision to live separately from her husband to further a career or to strengthen the financial security of a family.  Today, the trend of commuting couples is growing, but the choice will inevitably inspire comments like: “My marriage would never survive long-distance” or questions like: “Aren’t you worried about infidelity?”  In Microtrends, Penn quotes the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships (LDRs) and reports “commuters are not any more likely than geographically close couples to break up.”  According to the center’s director, Dr. Gregory Guldner, commuting couples are also not more likely to cheat or to report unsatisfactory relationships.

Elisabeth LaMotte

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