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 after another, 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.