Megan, 27, is married to 29 year old Robert, who is a soldier in the US army. He is stationed in Afghanistan. They see each other for only a couple of weeks each year. So how do couples like the Browns’ keep connected despite the circumstances.

It’s certainly more of a challenge to keep the fires burning when there is so much distance between the two of you.

1. Find some way to keep in touch on a daily basis. Long-distance telephone calls can be costly, but fortunately there are alternatives. SMS, Skype or chatting over the internet using webcams are all great alternatives.

2. Focus on the benefits that being in a long distance relationship offers. You’ll have more time for kids, family, and friends or on your own interests. You’ll be able to maintain your individuality better.

3. Synchronize activities to maintain a feeling of closeness. Couples who live together maintain a feeling of closeness by doing things together. You can mimic this albeit from a distance. For example, you can watch a movie or read a book simultaneously and then call each other afterward to share your thoughts. Or you could stargaze while you’re both on the phone.

4. Try to see each other in person at every opportunity. Visit each other as often as your circumstances and budget will allow.

5. Be trusting and avoid the green eyed monster. It’s all too easy to let your imagination run wild when you’re away from your spouse. If he doesn’t answer the phone on the first ring or call you right back, you can start imagining all sorts of things. Don’t panic. Realize that you can’t control your partner’s behavior or every move even if you live together. Jealousy will only drive your spouse away and destroy the relationship.

6. Give your spouse a personal object of yours so that they can feel close to you, even when you’re apart.

These books will give you additional ideas and strategies for keeping your marriage strong, no matter how far apart you are geographically.

And for military couples, I recommend