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The Long-Distance Relationship Survival Guide: Secrets and Strategies from Successful Couples Who Have Gone the Distance
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 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.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
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748 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 7, 2025
Very old book—now we have many social media, not just email.
June 30, 2021
I can't believe how absolutely amazing this book was!
In an attempt to expand my horizons a bit (I don't normally go for non-fiction, especially not a textbook-style book), I searched for books on long-distance relationships in hopes of learning a bit. I'm currently in one, and I'm always open to improving in any areas that I can (communication, virtual dates, etc), so I'm constantly doing research. So, I thought, why not read a book about it?
This book was published in 2006, so some things don't apply today (it mentions long-distance phone calls and high phone bills several times), but in general, I found this to be very, very informative. Some things I already knew or already learned, some things made me go, "I never thought of it like that," or, "I really should work on that."
I wish I'd enjoyed reading this type of thing when I was in school, given how quickly I cruised through this one. For anyone in a long-distance relationship, it's a great, light, informative read. I'm glad I found this.
In an attempt to expand my horizons a bit (I don't normally go for non-fiction, especially not a textbook-style book), I searched for books on long-distance relationships in hopes of learning a bit. I'm currently in one, and I'm always open to improving in any areas that I can (communication, virtual dates, etc), so I'm constantly doing research. So, I thought, why not read a book about it?
This book was published in 2006, so some things don't apply today (it mentions long-distance phone calls and high phone bills several times), but in general, I found this to be very, very informative. Some things I already knew or already learned, some things made me go, "I never thought of it like that," or, "I really should work on that."
I wish I'd enjoyed reading this type of thing when I was in school, given how quickly I cruised through this one. For anyone in a long-distance relationship, it's a great, light, informative read. I'm glad I found this.
June 20, 2016
Very much geared to the semi-long distance relationship, where a weekend rendezvous is possible. There was very little that dealt with multiple time zones and continents. While some things can be inferred, and will work regardless of the distance involved, really long distances have its own set of problems. The primary one being, the chances and opportunities that you'll actually be able to visit each other, they are few and far between.
One review I read slammed the chapter on intimacy. I didn't find it as laughable as the reviewer indicated. Every relationship has its own ways of dealing with this subject. Some need to handle things in a more, um, hands on way. More power to you.
The important thing to remember with any non-fiction book on any subject, is to take the information they give you, add your own, and create what works for you and your situation. If the cookbook recipe says to add onions, and you hate onions, would you add them just because the recipe says to? If you're in a long-distance relationship, or contemplate one, this book is a good place to start. I did like the input from people that the authors interviewed. That helped cement the information covered.
One review I read slammed the chapter on intimacy. I didn't find it as laughable as the reviewer indicated. Every relationship has its own ways of dealing with this subject. Some need to handle things in a more, um, hands on way. More power to you.
The important thing to remember with any non-fiction book on any subject, is to take the information they give you, add your own, and create what works for you and your situation. If the cookbook recipe says to add onions, and you hate onions, would you add them just because the recipe says to? If you're in a long-distance relationship, or contemplate one, this book is a good place to start. I did like the input from people that the authors interviewed. That helped cement the information covered.
August 1, 2011
This book has some great advice and examples that will help you either strengthen your long-distance relationship or make the decision to end it before lots of time and pain.
I read this book while in a LDR. I had been unhappy with the way things were going in my relationship and knew there needed to be some goals set and improvements made. This book helped me approach my then boyfriend with my needs and ultimately make the decision to end it after finding that he really didn’t want to do any work to make it successful. This book saved me from wasting any more of my time in that relationship. A book I would highly recommend for anyone in or considering a LDR.
I read this book while in a LDR. I had been unhappy with the way things were going in my relationship and knew there needed to be some goals set and improvements made. This book helped me approach my then boyfriend with my needs and ultimately make the decision to end it after finding that he really didn’t want to do any work to make it successful. This book saved me from wasting any more of my time in that relationship. A book I would highly recommend for anyone in or considering a LDR.
July 23, 2024
Outdated and made for domestic LDRs that are just starting. Repetitive and used anecdotal evidence to make blanket statements.
Save yourself the trouble and just look up recent LDR blogs instead.
Save yourself the trouble and just look up recent LDR blogs instead.
March 18, 2017
As someone who has only recently begun a long distance relationship, I read this book to help me gain some insight on what I could do to get through the times apart and deal with not being in the same area as my boyfriend. My situation isn't necessarily tough regarding the distance (2 hour drive) but more so because my boyfriend has 2 children from a previous marriage and there's the fact that he has them every other weekend (sometimes more) and being able to see him and also integrate with the children is much more complicated. This book didn't touch on this as a factor so much. Some of the examples provided seemed repetitive. But trying to find a book specific to my situation is most likely impossible.
September 30, 2021
I just finish reading it. I think this book help us to save our LDR relationship.
I think this will also help us link: https://surviveldr.com/
I think this will also help us link: https://surviveldr.com/
July 27, 2016
This is a good and much needed book. With a few adjustments it could be so much better. I read that the authors are considering updating the book - great idea... Please consider including non-hetero relationships in the discussion, and bringing tech discussions up to date.
The section on sexual intimacy was pretty judgey, maybe work on the inherent biases before you offer advice to others on this important aspect of LDRs.
Another topic that received almost no airtime is how to handle the views of family and friends - they aren't always supportive and this may create added tension.
Overall, I thank the authors for trying this project
The section on sexual intimacy was pretty judgey, maybe work on the inherent biases before you offer advice to others on this important aspect of LDRs.
Another topic that received almost no airtime is how to handle the views of family and friends - they aren't always supportive and this may create added tension.
Overall, I thank the authors for trying this project
February 16, 2008
This book is exactly what the title says. Fritz bought it for me several months ago; he has a copy also, and we've been working our way through it a chapter at a time and talking about the different strategies and issues. Definitely a valuable read, although most of the discussions it sparked consisted of "Yeah, we do that. Yeah, we do that too. Yeah, we're good at that..." etc. So it was good for the affirmation, and we also got at least a few ideas we might not have come up with on our own.
September 12, 2014
Give advice at what to do to keep things going. It was nice but it didn't apply to my long distance relationship currently. My significant other is deployed, and we won't be able to see each other at all. I was hoping for some more inspiration or motivation through the lonely times of this, but it hit on ways to keep relationships positive for people in different US cities. It is good book but not what I was hoping for.
November 22, 2014
I am currentlyin a long-distance relationship and have faced several communication issues along the way. This book has provided strategies and ideas that have been helpful for me in learning to face these challenges with greater confidence. While I have not yet finished the book, I know it will be a valuable asset as my long-distance relationship continues.
November 25, 2016
A bit outdated, worrying about calling plans and mentioning you might want to consider buying a mobile phone. No real mention of texting or video chatting.
It focuses heavily on anecdotes of other couples, some who live less than 100 miles apart which I find laughable to call long distance.
Still, it has some good recommendations and food for thought.
It focuses heavily on anecdotes of other couples, some who live less than 100 miles apart which I find laughable to call long distance.
Still, it has some good recommendations and food for thought.
July 12, 2010
This is a great book for anyone dating long-distance or considering dating someone long-distance. The most helpful aspect of the book was reading stories about couples that made their long-distance relationship successful.
May 9, 2011
Not bad. Would maybe have been useful at the beginning of an LDR. Over a year into one, the content was rather passe. But as it is, it was neat reading sketches of other LDR relationships, failures and successes, and to get a few more tips for the trade.
July 12, 2012
This book has some helpful hints, but most of it is common sense. The most value I got out of it was the chapter on deciding when to move and what to consider. It's worth a read if you are in a long distance relationship and can get it from the library, used, or from a friend.
February 25, 2016
Couple of really good take-always from this book. My favorite was playing a game online together that was unrelated to work or personal things to help pass time without the pressure of having to always have something specific to talk about.
February 17, 2009
This book was ok. it taught by example, which was really good in some situations, but not the best in others.
November 11, 2009
The boyfriend bought this for me before he left for a co-op term in another city. It was helpful and written in a very accessible manner, lots of examples from real life.
November 27, 2012
This book is a wonderful starter for those who are in a LDR. It gives examples and tips from real couples. It also organizes in the book in a way that is easy to read and follow.
July 19, 2013
7.8.13 - 7.19.13
July 12, 2014
Useful information, but mostly for if you're just starting a relationship and if you live in the same country. Could also use an update on the tech aspect of things. No mention of texts or Skype!
December 18, 2015
Absolutely useful that it inspires you to face necessary issues in a relationship. Not just for LDR but all who's considering a mature relationship.
March 19, 2016
A bit dated on the technology front (since a lot has changed since this was published in 2006), but solid, common sense advice.
August 13, 2013
it's a little dated for the times but had some pretty good advice.
September 25, 2013
Cute book with some neat ideas, but very repetitive.
October 28, 2016
A nice, simple guide to some good ideas for growing and maintaining relationships with traveling.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews