From Long Distance to Marriage: Recent Episodes
From Long Distance to Marriage
Hosts Aindrea and Rich were in a long distance relationship separated by over 5,000 miles, from Arizona to London. They closed the distance and are fast approaching a decade of marriage, having experienced many ups, downs and challenges along the way.
From Long Distance to Marriage exists for all types of relationships, and covers topics often not discussed. The podcast covers date ideas for couples who can be together physically and those who can't, the difficulties in relationships and how to overcome them, and the vital role of communication.
And much, much more.
This is a podcast where listeners can get involved. Aindrea and Rich read every email and social interaction they receive, giving their insight on every step of a relationship that followers want to know about - from long distance to marriage.
Listen - it's a big deal, and if you don't get at least a little worried about closing the distance, you're in the minority. In this episode, Rich & Aindrea address a listener email about their worries and concerns about moving from the US to Denmark to close the distance with their boyfriend.
We all think we know our partners and what our life with them is going to look like, at least to an extent. But what happens when your partner throws a curveball and makes a big announcement you never thought you'd hear? Maybe they're gay. Maybe they've decided the don't actually want kids or they want to change religion. Perhaps they want to drop everything and pursue a degree in a niche field that they can only do on a remote island in Indonesia. These things can shake your relationship to the core - so how do you handle it? And can you make it as a couple? This week, Rich & Aindrea discuss exactly that.
Anyone going into an LDR needs to understand that certain things will be expected of them. Each long distance couple will need to agree on how much they expect to communicate with each other and see each other, and at the end of the day, being a considerate long distance partner means holding up your end of the bargain. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich dive into what that means.
Relationships change over time and eventually, that constant need to have your hands all over one another begins to fade a bit. While that's normal, couples should make an effort to continue affection for the fun of it. In this episode, Rich & Aindrea talk about the power of (tasteful!) PDA, and the importance of continuing to be affectionate - just because - behind closed doors, as well.
We all want certain areas of control in our lives - that's natural - and healthy to an extent! Having control over our health, welfare, finances and careers is something we should all strive towards. But what happens when our controlling behaviour starts to leak into other areas of our lives - specifically our relationships? The answer is that it can cause big problems and permanent damage if we're not careful. This week, Aindrea & Rich discuss what this controlling behaviour can look like, how to maintain balance and how to discuss issues with your partner in a non-controlling way.
Off the back of a Tweet that Rich found addressing the emotional needs of men, in this episode, hosts Aindrea & Rich dive into the topic and ask: what about men? In a society that encourages toxic masculinity and then vilifies the very same thing, how and when are the emotional needs of men being ignored and not met? Is this issue at the root of the problem, and what can we do to address it?
Couples, long distance or not, have all been affected by the pandemic. Our routines, habits and the things we enjoy doing together have all been turned upside down. So how do couples overcome this and still find ways to connect? Aindrea and Rich weigh in on the topic in this episode.
... stay together. Or at least, Aindrea & Rich have certainly found that it adds value to their relationship. Whether working towards a common goal or challenge, or physically doing the same workouts together, dig into how facing fitness together can also make a positive difference in your own relationship - long distance or not.
It's something we hear joked about a lot in pop culture - people "giving up" or "not making the effort" when it comes to themselves or their relationship. But these things are very real and they can affect our relationships in very real ways. At the end of the day, it never hurts to make a big more effort - even if you're already doing really well in your relationship. We can all offer a bit more. In this episode, Rich & Aindrea discuss how these issues can manifest and how to address them.
It's important that couples have things they can enjoy together, but it's also important for each person to have their own hobbies and pursuits. What's even better is supporting your partner to enjoy those hobbies, when you're involved and when you're not. Tune in for more.
It can be a tricky topic - but there should be some boundaries when it comes to talking to exes - especially when you're in a new relationship. In this episode, Rich & Aindrea address the situation and follow up on a listener's question around being uncomfortable with how much is partner is talking to their ex. How much communication is too much? Does it mean something unfaithful is going on? Are you allowed to feel uncomfortable? Tune in for all this and more.
In this episode, based on a listener request, Rich & Aindrea dive into the difficulties around telling your parents about an LDR, how to handle it, how not to handle it, and how to salvage the situation if it has gone badly, while addressing issues specific to the listener's situation and other common issues that can arise from telling parents.
This week, Rich and Aindrea welcome back two very special returning guests who specialise in trauma therapy from different approaches. You might remember Orit, from episode 89, and Esty from episode 91.
Join in for an incredibly interesting conversation with two trauma experts who specialise in helping women and couples get past their trauma to help improve their relationships.
Find Esty here and get a free mini session:
@LifePixRelationships For a FREE mini session: LifePixRelationships.as.me
Learn more about Orit:
Website: www.oritkrug.com
Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lastinglovemovement/
Also, all of our listeners are eligible to take advantage of Orit’s free Wired for Love training: www.wiredforlovetherapy.com
It’s easy to bring other people down, but it’s one of the worst things you can do within your relationship. This week, Aindrea & Rich continue to examine inappropriate behaviours in relationships, and the focus is bringing your partner down - either to their face, or talking badly about them behind their back. Listen as they dive in to all the ways this can be done and the long-term damage it can bring upon your relationship. Discover why you should be talking and lifting your partner up - whether they’re in the room or not.
If ever there was a better story to give long distance couple's hope right now, it's Tarley. Listen as Rich & Aindrea have a conversation with LDR survivor Tarley, who managed to move from Australia to London during the coronavirus pandemic to finally be with her boyfriend, Bradley. Tarley shares her experiences, advice as well as the realities and challenges of closing the distance at a time like this.
We live in a world were it's easy, and expected, to be constantly contactable. This often results in almost constant communication in relationships - especially for long distance couples who don't have any other way to spend time together and feel they need to compensate. But what effect can this have on your relationship and why should you prioritise time spent NOT talking to your partner? Find out in this episode where Rich and Aindrea discuss the topic at length.
Happy New Year! Rich and Aindrea are back for their first episode of 2021, and this week the focus is goals and fresh starts for your relationship. From sharing some details on their individual goals and goals as a couple, this episode is all about fresh starts. Maybe you want to take on a challenge as a couple this year, or maybe it's time to lay some issues within your relationship to rest. Either way, there's tons of inspiration and guidance in this episode.
LDR is hard. It makes everything about your relationship more complicated, and for some it can even bring up serious anxiety. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss symtpoms, how to talk about it, and how to deal with it in a productive way so that your relationship flourishes rather than suffers.
Many of us struggle when it comes to balancing our family and our partner's needs. But when you're in a committed relationship, it's vital that your partner is your first priority. Easier said than done, but how can you balance that? In this episode, Rich and Aindrea discuss the damages than prioritising your family's opinions and needs over your partner's can have on your relationship, why it's an inappropriate behaviour, and how to stop it.
Closing the distance is a big deal, especially if that distance is significant. Based on a listener request, this episode sees Rich & Aindrea diving into how to broach the topic of whether or not you should get engaged before closing the distance, what to consider, and why it may or may not be necessary.
Expecting too much of your partner, or having out of this world, unrealistic expectations within your relationship can cause real problems, and a world of hurt. In this episode, Rich and Aindrea discuss what constitutes as unrealistic expectations and the effects that they can have on your relationship.
The holidays will likely look different for most of this year, with coronavirus still making social gatherings and travel problematic. Long distance couples are still facing extra challenges, so Rich and Aindrea have brought out their best tips and advice for making the holidays special, even if you’re separated from your partner this year due to COVID-19.
Continuing their series focusing on behaviours in relationships that are (or can be) inappropriate, Rich and Aindrea look at manipulation this week. Manipulation can be on the big or small scale, and comes in many different shapes and sizes. Listen as Aindrea and Rich share an example of manipulation from their own marriage and how eliminating that behaviour has improved their relationship. Other methods of manipulation and its indications and possible outcomes are also covered.
In light of recent world events like elections, protests and pandemics, sometimes it's helpful to know how to manage a situation in which you and your partner might have a difference of opinion on the big things. This translates into life choices, religious beliefs and so much more. Listen to this week's episode as Rich and Aindrea unpack how to respectfully handle differences of opinion in relationships.
Every couple hits a rough patch now and again. Sometimes you can’t seem to have a simple conversation without bickering, sometimes your individual rhythms are completely out of sync, and sometimes life brings you obstacles that set you down a difficult path. But is a rough patch always something to be overly concerned about? How can you make steps to get back on track as a couple. Join Rich and Aindrea as they discuss these points and more.
This week, Aindrea & Rich continue their series focusing on inappropriate behaviours in relationships and discuss spending habits. How can financial issues, spending habits, and ignoring monetary goals and agreements within your relationship be inappropriate? How can you work together for a common goal and support one another, forgiving the occasional financial slip up? Listen now to find out.
Related Episodes:
Episode 27, Money Management for Couples
Episode 88, Aligning Your Future Goals
Aindrea and Rich are joined by Ziv and Shachar, hosts of the Generous Marriage podcast. Ziv and Shachar are both successful business owners, and educate men on how they can be more successful both in business and in their relationships. In this episode, they explain how men can be more present in their relationships, why that's important, and the similarities between relationships and businesses.
They also have a 21-day blueprint to accelerate your results in boosting intimacy and improving your business - click here to access it.
Closing the distance in your LDR can and should be an exciting time. But that’s not to say that there aren’t big conversations to have or that you won’t have some concerns and doubts. It’s a big commitment, so how do you know if it’s worth it for one of you to make the big move? This week, Rich & Aindrea talk through the preparations you should make and the issues you should discuss with your partner to help make the decision.
You might want to also listen to episode 36, on when to call it quits in your LDR.
You can purchase our Ultimate Guide to Long Distance Relationships for more advice and exercises on preparing to close the distance
This week, Rich & Aindrea continue their ongoing series of things that are, or could be, considered inappropriate behaviour in a relationship. The topic of the day is flirting. What actually is flirting? What defines inappropriate flirting and perhaps harmless flirting? Is it sometimes ok, and how do couples potentially look at this differently? All this and more is covered in episode 94.
This week, Rich and Aindrea are discussing a topic that many couples have to face at some point during their relationship - getting along with the in-laws. Every family dynamic is different, but it’s not uncommon for there to be some struggles when it comes to having a good and comfortable relationship with your partner’s parents. The severity of these struggles can vary greatly, and Aindrea and Rich take a look at what these problems can look like and how to address them.
This week, Rich & Aindrea continue their series on Inappropriate Behaviours in relationships. But this week they are joined by special guests and marriage experts, Tony and Alisa of the ONE Extraordinary Marriage podcast to discuss emotional affairs.
How do emotional affairs stop? When are the lines being blurred? Why is it so important to make your partner or spouse your first port of call for ALL things in your life? Listen as we delve into this with Alisa and Tony. Discover more about them at: https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com
This week Rich and Aindrea are joined by special guest and CJEA Coach, Esty Rappaport. Esty explains how journalling with your non-dominant hand can be an important and groundbreaking therapeutic treatment, and how this can be very helpful when it comes to relationship issues.
Find Esty here and get a free mini session:
@LifePixRelationships For a FREE mini session: LifePixRelationships.as.me
What counts as inappropriate behaviour in a relationships? In this first part of an ongoing series examining inappropriate behaviours in couples, Aindrea & Rich discuss the trend of adult or sexual subscriptions on platforms like Only Fans. Is using something like Only Fans cheating? Is it wrong? How can you talk about this with your partner? Discover this and so much more in this new episode.
This week, Aindrea & Rich are joined by Orit Krug, a dance movement therapist and trauma expert. Orit explains how trauma from previous experiences can sabotage our current and future relationships, and what we can do to heal from this trauma once and for all. Tune in for a fascinating and incredibly helpful episode.
Learn more about Orit:
Website: www.oritkrug.com
Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lastinglovemovement/
Also, all of our listeners are invited to take advantage of Orit’s free Wired for Love training: www.wiredforlovetherapy.com
It’s vital to make sure that you’re on the same page as a couple when it comes to your future. This week, Aindrea and Rich are discussing the importance of aligning your future visions and deciding how you’re going to work towards and achieve them. This could be career goals, financial goals, family planning, working towards a dream vacation - literally anything. But how can you achieve these things if you don’t talk about it and work towards it together? This episode discusses exactly that.
Sometimes, silence is the best balm. Biting your tongue in your relationship, whether it’s off the back of a snappy remark or in the middle of a full blown argument, can totally change your relationship. In this week’s episode, Aindrea and Rich share steps for biting your tongue and how it has completely transformed their own marriage.
This week, Aindrea and Rich are providing 3 actionable, quick and easy tips for how to show your partner appreciation. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day and neglect showing your partner the gratitude they deserve, but it's important to make an effort to do this, and their 3 tips are the perfect place to start.
Other episodes worth listening to: Episode 42: Showing Gratitude in Your Relationship
Sometimes in relationships, one partner needs full support from the other. The reasons can vary - a new, challenging job, mental health issues, a time to shine, or a change in circumstance. This requires the other partner to take a step back sometimes, and offer full support. This can be a challenge for both parties, and in this episode Rich & Aindrea discuss how to do this with grace, love, and how to to see the bigger picture when it comes to being selfless.
In this week’s episode, Rich & Aindrea are talking about one of the hardest long distance related topics - saying goodbye after spending time together, and heading back to that LDR life. With tips to coping and strategies for making it work, this episode can help you deal with the pain of saying goodbye, especially in uncertain times such as these.
You might also find Episode 30, Coping between visits in a long distance relationship, to be helpful.
This week, Aindrea & Rich are revisiting the topic of nudes, originally covered in episode 23. But this time, they’re looking at how incorporating the sending of nudes in your relationship can actually establish trust, reinforce intimacy, and really help couples who are apart - even those who have found themselves in a temporary long distance relationship as a result of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
In this week’s all new episode, Rich & Aindrea are focusing on loneliness in relationships. Long distance presents it’s own challenges with loneliness, which are discussed at length, but so do face to face relationships. Many people living in the same home as their significant other experience loneliness. What does it mean, and what can cause it? When is it valid, and when is it in your head? What should you do about it? Hear all this when you tune in to episode 82.
Aindrea & Rich are discussing the burden of time differences this week, and how to face them together as a couple. For long distance lovers, a hefty time difference can make it difficult to find time to say a quick hello, let alone enjoy deep and meaningful conversations. This episode offers tips on how to make the most of the time you can spend talking, how to cope when you can’t, and everything in between.
Join in this week as Rich & Aindrea discuss the steps that all couples should take when entering the stage of building a home together. You might be making the step of getting a place together or even getting married, but either way there are conversations you should have to prepare for the big changes. Get tips for learning to deal with arguments, arrange household management styles, establishing traditions and much more.
This week, Rich & Aindrea are bringing you up to speed on all the guests that have ever appeared on the From Long Distance to Marriage podcast. They highlight each of the guests, from relationship experts to couples battling the distance, and the points that can be taken away from each episode. The guests all bring something unique and special, and whether you’re looking for ways to keep things special over the miles or how to communicate better in your relationship, there’s something for everyone.
Special guest episode links:
E20: Meet the Couple – Sam & Jared of the #LDR Activity BookE38: Meet the Couple – Nyla and LawrenceE47: Avoiding criticism, with special guest Dovid FeldmanE49: Communicating, with Dr Laura LouisE54: First year of marriage with Marcus and AshleyE66: Dating your spouse with Tony & Alisa Dilorenzo from One Extraordinary MarriageE68: Life as an expat with Meg of the Gin and Beer It ShowE71: Jordan Syatt on long distance and fitness for couples (plus Harry Potter)E76: How to deal with a defensive spouse, with Dovid FeldmanE78: Meet the Couple: G and Joshua of Sycamore Tree Design
This week, Joshua and G from Sycamore Tree Design join the From Long Distance to Marriage podcast. A long distance couple, they use their creativity to create the most incredible and unique jewellery, and are offering a generous 50% discount to listeners with the code LDTM.
Joshua and G explain how they met singing karaoke in an app, have suffered big disruptions through coronavirus, and how they started their own company making wooden jewellery for customers around the world.
View their website at SycamoreTreeDesign.com - and use code LDTM for 50% off your order.
And follow them on Instagram at _sycamoretree
One of the hardest parts of a long distance relationship is feeling like so much is out of your control. There are a lot of unknowns to deal with, and now we have coronavirus that has suddenly wiped out a lot of plans for a lot of people.
In this episode, Aindrea and Rich discuss ways of dealing with the unknown, looking for the opportunities within it, and the silver linings to make the most of these negative situations.
Aindrea & Rich’s first returning guest, Dovid Feldman, is here to talk marriage and relationships. A licenced family and marriage therapist, Dovid helps us learn the best ways to communicate to eliminate defensiveness, how to show up in your marriage, and how to reflect on your own behaviours and emotions. Join them for this very special episode.
You can find David on Twitter at @dovidfeldman or over at his blog, https://dovidfeldman.com
If you want to read the article on communication that Dovid mentions in the episode, you can find it here https://dovidfeldman.com/effective-communication-skills/
This week, Rich and Aindrea area address the concerning news that divorce rates are on the rise because of the coronavirus outbreak. Here, they discuss why this might be happening, how to use this time to invest in your marriage rather than becoming a statistic, and share some helpful resources for nourishing your marriage during these really weird and trying times.
For more---
Listen to their episode with Tony and Alisa from ONE Extraordinary Marriage.
Listen to their Episode with Dovid Feldman.
Looking for different date ideas? A way to really sweep your love off their feet and remind them how much you care? Enter the scavenger hunt date. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich walk you through the options for creating this date, whether you're looking for a big gesture or just a fun lead up to finding a surprise or meal at home. This is a brilliant way to mix up your dating life, especially during the endless days of quarantine. There are also long distance options!
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many couples are struggling with having to spend even more time apart, or are experiencing long distance for the first time. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich suggest tools and products to help ease the burden of the miles. From video call platforms that integrate games to long distance bracelets to make you feel closer, they share ways to cope with the distance.
Around the world, people are finding themselves working from home for an extended period of time - for the first time in their life. That might mean working from home with your spouse or significant other, which poses its own set of challenges.
In this episode, Aindrea and Rich discuss:
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Setting boundaries
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Having a routine
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How you still 'go to work'
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The importance of a designated space, even if you lack the space to work in separate rooms
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Adjusting to a new normal
This is a special episode, as Aindrea & Rich are joined by Jordan Syatt. Jordan is a fitness coach and trainer to Gary Vaynerchuk, and he recently closed the distance with his long term girlfriend. Jordan discusses that relationship, as well as fitness for couples including how to motivate your partner to eat healthier or work out, why shaming and negativity isn't the right approach, and his outlook on relationships with food and body image. A huge Harry Potter fan, Jordan also explained which Hogwarts House he'd belong to...
Jordan's website
Jordan's Instagram
Jealousy is a broad term and is difficult for the person feeling it and the person they're in a relationship with. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich look at causes of jealousy, how to handle and try to overcome them, inconsistencies, why porn isn't usually worth being jealous of, and what jealousy really means.
In this episode, Rich and Aindrea address what’s happening all over the world right now. From quarantine talk to the shops running out of food, it’s a mad time to be alive.
Join as Rich and Aindrea share ideas for what to do with yourself while social distancing, at home date ideas for couples, and support for couples who are long distance during these uncertain times.
Read our latest blog, “Coronavirus and your long distance relationship”
Get our Ultimate Guide to Long Distance Relationships for 30% through midnight 22nd March 2020.
You can also read the guest post of ours that was featured on Sexy Marriage Radio for cheap and at home date ideas.
Rich and Aindrea are joined by Meg, host of the Gin and Beer It Show, to discuss life as an expat. If you're in a long distance relationship, considering moving to another country, or have already moved abroad, this episode is for you. Meg opens up about feelings of resentment and sadness at being in another country, as well as the positives and things she loves about it.
Follow Meg at her website Gin and Beer It Show and listen to her podcast here
Saying 'no' is easy. Sometimes, too easy. We can take things for granted and not always consider how happy our other half is, or how our reactions affect them. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich look at whether it's reasonable to stop them doing certain things, how to approach conversations that have better outcomes, when you absolutely wouldn't say no and why you have a responsibility to your partner's happiness as well as your own.
Aindrea and Rich are joined by Tony and Alisa Dilorenzo from One Extraordinary Marriage. In this episode they discussed the importance of dating your spouse. This covered how it can save your marriage, why and how to eliminate distractions, lots of ideas for cheap or home dates, sharing the planning responsibility and what a date actually is.
Learn more about One Extraordinary Marriage at their website or listen along by searching One Extraordinary Marriage in your favourite podcast app.
Having children is a big decision, and not right for everyone. In episode 65, Aindrea and Rich discuss how to have the conversation with your partner, the important points to consider, and why it's important to talk even if you both know you want children. Plus, they look at the emotional aspect of why people may not want them, as well as why it can be upsetting and hurtful when people ask "When are you getting pregnant?"
Religion is a sensitive topic. For those with faith, it's wonderful. Those without it may see it as harmful or pointless. In episode 64, Aindrea and Rich talk with Alice (from daretodoubt.org) and David (from The Graceful Atheist podcast) about their own journeys, what role religion has played (and continued to play), and how it affects their relationships - including David's marriage featuring religious faith as a central role, only for him to eventually lose his faith and have a difficult conversation with his wife.
This is a personal episode and one that only scratches the surface of the topic.
Dare to DoubtWebsite: daretodoubt.org
Twitter: DaretoDoubt
Instagram: DaretoDoubt
Graceful AtheistWebsite: gracefulatheist.wordpress.com
Podcast: The Graceful Atheist
Twitter: GracefulAtheist
Valentine's Day is just a few days away and so to continue the tips for showing your love, Rich & Aindrea discuss the importance of small gestures this week. From anticipating your partner's needs and doing them a service to listening to their wants or desires and delivering - without being asked - this episode is a must listen. Not everything has to be a grand gesture, and more often than not, a small, thoughtful act holds more power than a big, bold move.
This episode is sponsored by Ballsy, the company making amazing products specifically for a man's most delicate area. Looking for the ideal gift for your boyfriend or husband? Look no further! We have 20% off the I'm Nuts About You gift set, which includes a solid cologne nut rub (available in 6 scents), a ball wash, and a deodorising portable spray.
To get a gift set, visit ballwash.com and enter code MARRIAGE20.
Most people have heard about love languages. There are books on them, endless blog posts, and one of our earlier episodes was all about them. But a lot of this information just tells you what they are and how to work yours out - they often don't explain how to utilise the information.
For example, you might know your partner likes words of affirmation. Great! But what next? If you don't know how to provide those words of affirmation, you're back at square one.
In this episode, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, Aindrea and Rich have gone through each love language and provided some examples, so you can supercharge your efforts in 2020.
This episode is sponsored by Ballsy, the company making amazing products specifically for a man's most delicate area. Looking for the ideal gift for your boyfriend or husband? Look no further! We have 20% off the I'm Nuts About You gift set, which includes a solid cologne nut rub (available in 6 scents), a ball wash, and a deodorising portable spray.
To get a gift set, visit ballwash.com and enter code MARRIAGE20.
It’s easy to say couples need to communicate more, but sometimes a serious conversation isn’t the answer to a problem. What about non-verbal communication - what part does this play in a relationship? From watching for tells that your partner is upset about something to understanding what messages your behaviour is sending your partner, in this episode, Rich & Aindrea cover next level communication. If you find verbal talks don’t always help you handle problems in your relationship, this is an important episode.
Sometimes as a relationship moves on, couples can find it difficult to establish common interests. Is it ok to have your own interests separate from your partner? What should you do if you and your partner don’t have any interests in common anymore? What if your partner’s hobbies are taking them away from you? It’s a complex issue and one that Aindrea and Rich discuss in this week’s episode. Stream now to find out more.
Once the haze of new love settles, we can find ourselves scratching our heads and unsure how to make our partner feel as special as we did in the early days. Sometimes we're oblivious, and sometimes our partner makes it clear that they don't feel as special or loved. Either way, it's vital that both people in a relationship do what they can to keep this feeling alive. Listen for date ideas, inspiration for small gestures, and ways you can tune in to find out how to give your partner what they need.
2020 is just around the corner and many of us are taking stock and reflecting, as well as planning for what we want in the new year. But what about your relationship? What could you and your partner do in 2020 to make it the beginning of your happiest chapter yet? In the last episode of 2019, Rich and Aindrea discuss ideas for resolutions couples can work toward together, and how to do so.
With Christmas just a few days away, Rich and Aindrea offer tips for how to make sure you keep the season special for you and your partner. From ways to find time for just the two of you, ideas for making new traditions, and keeping it special if you’re still long distance, this episode is here to help keep your Christmas romantic and memorable.
What is the 7 year itch and why does it affect so many couples? From tips to coping with ruts in your relationship to ideas for getting things back on track, this is a great episode for anyone currently out of sync in their relationship, or looking to be proactive.
This week Aindrea and Rich bring you another special episode requested by a listener. Are you and your LDR love struggling to get on the same page in terms of how much you should be talking, texting, or FaceTiming? Communication is the biggest part of a long distance relationship, so it’s understandable that a lot hinges on just how much time you spend talking. So whether you’re not talking enough, you feel your partner wants to communicate more than you can manage, or you just can’t seem to compromise, make sure to stream this episode.
This week Aindrea and Rich have a special episode and were joined by Ashley and Marcus, the couple behind Our Peaceful Family, a website dedicated to helping newlyweds navigate the first year of marriage. But couples at all stages of their marriage can benefit from their experience. Listen as they discuss their own very challenging first year and some of the biggest challenges marriages can face.
https://ourpeacefulfamily.com
The topic of this week’s episode was a special request from a listener, and so Aindrea & Rich are addressing the topic of how to handle the holidays in a long distance relationship. From spending holidays apart to finding ways of making it still feel special, and throwing family into the mix, you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode with the festive season kicking off for many this week.
This is probably the most difficult conversation you'll have in a long distance relationship: which one of you is going to leave their life and move to their partner? Or will you both move to somewhere completely new?
In this episode, Aindrea and Rich talk about how to approach this conversation, the things to consider and why moving to a new place together may not be the best option. They also discuss the key topics to think about, and suggest ways of making the move easier.
Marriage. When should you do it, when should you not do it?
In episode 51, Rich and Aindrea discuss this question and all the things you'll need to consider. Are you hoping marriage will fix something in your relationship? Have you built the necessary foundations?
For the 50th episode, Rich and Aindrea are opening up the conversation about navigating the tricky waters of your sex life. Listen as they cover topics like how to talk about sex issues in your relationship, what to do when the sex starts to dwindle, how to communicate your needs to your partner and so much more.
This week, Aindrea and Rich interview psychologist, author and speaker, Dr Laura Louis. Laura is an expert in relationship therapy and the interview covers topics such as how to keep the peace in your relationship, how to end an argument, understanding compromise and supporting a partner with mental health issues.
Find out more about Laura here:
AtlantaCoupleTherapy.com
DrLauraLouis.com
This week, Aindrea and Rich are on the topic of ghosting. In a long distance relationship, usually more than 50% of your communication and time spent together is in the digital world, a place where it’s now possible to “ghost” someone, or simply just disappear from their life and stop responding to messages and calls.
This is a topic that we get messaged about a lot, by people concerned about why their partner hasn’t responded to them in weeks, why they’re becoming less and less available or enthused about the relationship, or why they’ve just reappeared after days of silence, acting like nothing happened. Here they discuss all of this, how to respond, and what to do if you know you’re going to be less available to speak to your partner due to upcoming commitments.
Marriage counsellor Dovid Feldman joins Aindrea and Rich for episode 47 of From Long Distance to Marriage. The discussion is on criticism in a relationship, why you should avoid it and how to communicate in a more positive manner.
They discuss why fighting is kryptonite to a healthy relationship, and the importance of a hierarchy of needs and knowing what you're prepared to fight about so you can more easily let the trivial things go.
Dovid Feldman website: dovidfeldman.com
Twitter: twitter.com/dovidfeldman
Facebook: facebook.com/netzachfamily
This week’s episode brings interesting discussion around the topic of keeping score in your relationship. Are you constantly discussing who has paid for what, or who was the last to take out the trash? If you’re long distance, maybe it’s an ongoing debate of whose turn it is to come and visit. Or maybe you’re constantly wishing your partner was as thoughtful as you are.
The reality is, keeping score in your relationship is dangerous to your health as a couple. Listen to this episode to hear why Aindrea & Rich work to find different ways to strike balance in their relationship, and how you can achieve this, too.
When we love someone, we want to help them in any way we can. But what happens if your partner asks you to lend them money? This can happen in all kinds of scenarios, but it can be particularly worrisome if the request is coming from a romantic interest you met online - and not in person yet.
In this week's episode Aindrea and Rich discuss reasons couples may want to lend money to their significant other, and tips for staying smart and safe if you feel comfortable doing so. They also share how to watch out for red flags when it comes to partners asking for money.
This week’s episode came as a special request from a listener. When you’re in a long distance relationship it can be a challenge to balance your time and dedicate yourself to all areas of your life, including friends, family, and your significant other. But what happens when you move away from home and every time you go back to visit, you have people vying for your attention?
In this episode, Aindrea and Rich break down the importance of spending time with all of those important to you when you go home to visit, and how to make sure everyone you love is getting enough of you - especially your significant other.
Rich and Aindrea are true believers in keeping your relationship sacred. Sometimes that can be difficult, though. Perhaps you have overbearing family members or friends who get jealous.
Maybe you’ve had a really bad fight and need someone to talk to. Maybe your partner is acting different and you just need advice. In this episode, Rich and Aindrea discuss when this is okay and when it’s not the best idea, and how to have conversations about your parter that don’t paint them in a negative light. After all, you love your partner. You don’t want your family and friends getting a bad opinion of them.
Are you showing your parter enough gratitude? All over the world, people are making gratitude lists and trying to live that #blessedlife. But the best place to start is in your own relationship, by showing your partner that you appreciate them and are grateful for the value they add to your life and the things they do for you.
Find out why Aindrea and Rich thank each other for even the most mundane tasks and gestures, and why it sets their marriage apart and encourages love rather than resentment.
It's everyone's worst fear - that this beautiful, fantastic love will one day fade away and you'll be left in a loveless marriage or relationship. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich discuss growing apart in your relationship, what is natural and what you should regard as a red flag. It's natural for your relationship to change and evolve, and for you both to grow as people. Listen for tips on how to navigate the ups and downs of growing as a couple, and individuals - rather than growing apart.
Note: please do not be put off by the title of this episode! We are not only talking about big expensive vacations.
In this episode Aindrea and Rich talk about how vital it is to get some special away time with the love of your life. This doesn’t have to be a once in a lifetime, luxury vacation. It can be a day out at your local zoo, or just a little weekend getaway housesitting, like Rich and Aindrea are doing this weekend themselves - it’s all what you make of it. This week, they discuss why this is important to your relationship and a few ideas for how to make it work, even if you’re on a budget.
This episode also references episode 8, The Joys and Importance of Establishing Traditions with Your Partner, which you can find here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7090580-e8-the-joys-importance-of-establishing-traditions-with-your-partner
Our fundraiser for the Mitchells is also still live, so please see if you can dig deep into those pockets and spare even $1. Find out more here: https://www.gofundme.com/the-mitchells-to-close-the-distance
People come together in a relationship under so many circumstances and for any number of reasons. But are you together for the right ones? In this week’s episode, Aindrea and Rich talk about some of the ways relationships may not work out if people aren't honest about why they're together.
Our fundraisers for the Mitchells (episode 38) is still live. If you can donate even $1 to help them be together as a family, please visit the Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/the-mitchells-to-close-the-distance.
This week, Aindrea & Rich have a really special episode for you. Two very special guests join the podcast - Nyla and Lawrence, a long distance couple currently trying to close the distance. Nyla lives with her two daughters in Wales, UK and Lawrence lives with his own two daughters in Florida, USA. Throughout the interview, the sparkling couple shares their amazing story, along with LDR tips and advice, as well as some in-depth visa information. You can learn more about Nyla and Lawerence’s long distance journey on their instagram page, @themitchells18. We were really touched by Nyla and Lawrence’s journey, and we wanted to find a way to help. Because Nyla will be moving with her two daughters to Florida, the visa costs are much more expensive than just one person trying to immigrate on their own. We’ve set up a Go Fund Me page for the couple to try and help them finish raising the funds they need for the visa application process. If you were moved by their story too, it would be fantastic if you could spare even £5 or $1 to help them as they prepare to apply for visas to bring their family together - for good!
Click here if you want to help: https://www.gofundme.com/the-mitchells-to-close-the-distance
Sometimes we all just need a bit of headspace and time on our own, and that's perfectly ok. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss why a recent night apart did wonders for their snappy moods with one another. From being important to your mental health and helping you to "reset" your relationship, listen to this episode to find out why you simply must be giving yourself some alone time.
Ending a relationship is never easy. Long distance relationships sometimes seem to come with their own unique challenges and even rules, but at some point you might be faced with the decision: is it time to end my LDR? This week, Aindrea and Rich hash over how to tell if it is, in fact, time to end your LDR and flags to look out for.
After you've closed the distance, you might find yourself feeling dejected, isolated, and like your family doesn't matter now that you're spending all your time, holidays and occasions with your partner's family. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss how to cope with and work to prevent these feelings.
In this week’s special episode, Aindrea & Rich have included the audio from a recent Instagram live video in which they addressed listener questions all about visas. From the application process to financial requirements, this episode is essential listening if you’re approaching the visa stage of your long distance relationship.
Relationships are full of difficult and emotional conversations, but they're conversations you have to have to improve and sustain your relationship. It might be ongoing pet peeves that turn into bigger problems, like household chores, finances or public displays of affection. Or it can be big issues, like respect or communication. In episode 33, Aindrea & Rich discuss methods for ensuring your difficult conversations are productive and how that can be an important thread in the fabric of your love.
As if closing the distance in an LDR isn't tricky enough, you most likely have to figure out getting a new job as well. Based on a listener question, in this episode, Aindrea & Rich share tips for getting a job once you've made that move, starting the search before the move, and important things to remember throughout your job search.
People have strong feelings when it comes to many things in relationships, and masturbation can often be one of these topics. Many couples don't talk about, have issues with the other's habits or are completely uncomfortable with the idea. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss the role of masturbation in relationships and the damage that insecurities around masturbation can cause if not handled properly.
The thing about a long distance relationship is that it's never easy. One of the most difficult periods in an LDR can be between visits. You've just had a few days, weeks or even months together where you functioned like a "normal" couple who doesn't have to deal with distance or timezones and you've loved every minute of being together. But then inevitably, the visit has to end and it can feel like you're back at square one, apart and miserable. In this episode which was a special request from a listener, Aindrea & Rich discuss how to cope between visits, how to make the best of your time and keep yourself optimistic until the next visit.
We've said it before - closing the distance with your LDR partner doesn't mean that long distance is no longer a part of your life. Now all your loved ones back home - family, friends - are your long distance relationships. In this special episode suggested by a listener, Aindrea & Rich discuss how to maintain balance with your family after you've moved away. From practical tips to communication advice, how to make sure your family still feels included and more - this is an episode you won't want to miss if you've just moved, or will be soon, to be with your partner.
It's easy for the difficulties of a long distance relationship to weigh heavy on you. You're constantly missing your partner, dealing with the inconvenience and pain of being apart - and you also find a lot to worry about.
Why haven't you heard from them today?
Who is this male/female friend they've been mentioning lately?
Are they getting tired of always being apart?
Have they met someone else?
This week, Aindrea and Rich discuss how to deal with these thoughts, the damage they can do, and why you need to find a way to cope to make sure your relationship is a success.
Like it or not, money is an important topic in committed relationships. Aindrea and Rich are not finance experts, but as a couple who started with nothing nearly a decade ago, working together to make their financial situation work for them is something they have a lot of experience with. This week, Aindrea and Rich discuss money issues that some couples have, like getting on the same page with spending and savings goals, debt, daily management of finances, how to be open and communicate about money, and how to organise your finances so that you can each spend some fun money guilt-free.
Sometimes your partner’s behaviour might change or they might say or do something that concerns you. Could they be cheating? Whether you’re in an LDR or not, cheating can be a huge concern for couples. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss suspicious about cheating, how to deal with them, and how to recognise when they are actually founded concerns. Most importantly, they discuss how serious a matter it is when you accuse your partner, and how to do this in a way that is not seriously damaging to your relationship if in fact they have done nothing wrong.
It's easy to keep up the illusion of perfection early on in a relationship, but what happens after time goes on? Eventually, masks start to slip and the less perfect side of us starts to come out - bodily functions, bad breath, embarrassing moments - you name it. Aindrea and Rich admit that they are very open about this stuff in their relationship, which some people might find weird. In episode 25, they explain their motivations for this, why it's important to them, and how it all makes them a closer, stronger couple.
This week, Aindrea & Rich are addressing the issue of being catfished when in an online or long distance relationship. They address the red flags to look out for, how to protect yourself, and what questions you should be asking. Catfishing can look like many different things, but when is it time to have a frank conversation about your concerns? What patterns of behaviour should you be looking out for? All of this and more is covered in episode 24.
Is it a good idea to send nude photos of yourself to a long distance partner or romantic interest? How can you trust that the person on the other side of the smartphone is going to respect your photos? When is it too early to ask for or send nude photos? This week, Rich and Aindrea run through the benefits and risks of sending nudes, how to protect yourself if you do decide to send them, and how to safely store them if your partner decides to send you a racy photo.
This week, Aindrea and Rich have dedicated an entire episode to talking about communication in relationships. How to be better at it, why it's important, and how it can ensure you have a long and happy relationship with your significant other, whether you're long distance or have been married for nearly a decade like us. Everyone can benefit from better communication in their relationship, and this episode can help get you started.
This week, Aindrea & Rich bring you an episode by popular demand. They've had many people request tips on how to tell their parents about their long distance relationship, or that they're ready to meet this person. Listen as they walk you through how to prepare your parents for this information and how to have a mature conversation about going after what makes you happy, while putting their concerns to rest.
This week's episode is a special one - Rich and Aindrea are welcoming their first guests! Sam and Jared are an inspiring LDR couple who have created the #LDR Activity Book together. During the interview, learn more about the book, hear Sam & Jared's story and their tips for long distance relationships - and much more.
Find out more about Sam and Jared on Instagram: @ldr.activities
You can buy the #LDR Activity book at https://www.ldractivities.com - and as a special offer, Long Distance to Marriage listeners will receive a 20% discount when using the code LDTM - enjoy!
This week, with just a few days to go before February 14th, Rich and Aindrea are discussing Valentine’s Day! Is it worth celebrating? How can you make it count when you’re long distance? With tips on how to keep Valentine’s Day budget friendly and creative ways to celebrate whether you’re long distance or local, you’ll want to tune in!
This week, Rich & Aindrea discuss what it means to be intentional in your relationship and the importance of doing it. From anticipating your partner's needs, making small but meaningful gestures to carrying more than your share of the load when times get tough, they provide tips and ideas for how to make sure your partner knows you care and that you're there to make their life easier and more enjoyable. They also discuss how you can make sure to be intentional in your relationship even when you're long distance.
This week, Rich and Aindrea tackle the topic of arguing in relationships. How much is too much, and can it actually be healthy? They discuss how long distance can affect arguments, how arguments can evolve over the course of a relationship, and how to make sure you stay respectful to your partner when times are tricky. They even include some entertaining examples of their more humorous arguments over the years.
This week's episode is a special one! Aindrea and Rich have turned a listener's question into a whole episode. This listener is only a few months away from meeting their long distance love for the first time and had questions about how to prepare to meet, how to reassure her family about travelling to meet this person, and any helpful travel tips Aindrea and Rich could share. They run through safety tips and catfishing warning signs, ideas for setting boundaries, how to soak up the amazing-ness that is meeting the first time - and so much more!
This week Rich and Aindrea are opening up the discussion on one of the most difficult topics in relationships: infidelity. In this episode, they discuss possible motivation factors in infidelity, the nature of a cheater, whether or not it's easier and more common for people in long distance relationships to cheat and so much more. They also share listener and social media followers' thoughts on the topic.
They're baaaack! After a jet lag induced holiday hiatus, Aindrea and Rich fill you in on everything that happened while they were in the States. Then, they offer insight and advice on what it's like to see your family for the first time after moving away to be with your long distance love. From tips on how to settle into your place in your family once you've moved to how to battle homesickness after your family visit is over, this episode is a must-listen for those who are about to, or have just made the move to close the distance.
With Christmas just a few days away, we’re focusing on those of you who have moved to be with your significant other over the past year. If you won’t be returning home for the holidays this year, you might be going through a hard time emotionally. We’re here to provide advice and ideas for how you can make this Christmas period enjoyable, even if you’re far from everything you know.
In this cheeky episode, Rich and Aindrea discuss that one topic so many long distancers know well but blush at - phone sex. They talk through the benefits of it, the challenges of getting started, and discuss some new technology that can make phone sex even better. Things get silly…
In episode 11 of From Long Distance to Marriage, Aindrea and Rich discuss how mental health can affect relationships and touch on how it has affected their own relationship, and their own lives personally. They highlight how long distance relationships (and relationships in general) can be affected by things like anxiety, depression, and phobias. They also share examples of how they've tried to be there for one another and how you can help ease the burden of mental health for your partner, as well as ways to take care of yourself mentally when you're in a serious relationship.
Relationships don't stay new and exciting forever. There will be periods throughout your relationship where you have to work a little harder to bring that initial honeymoon period-feel back. And that's natural. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich discuss a few reasons why this might happen in a relationship, discuss the importance of working hard together as a team to keep the spark alive, and share some tips for keeping your relationship fresh.
Any time you move in with a partner, there's going to be a tricky settling in period. This looks different for every couple. But when you throw in the complications that come with a long distance relationship, the pain points can be more difficult to navigate. Closing the distance is one of the most thrilling experiences, but it helps to understand the less exciting, day-to-day aspects of living together as a couple. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich recall the early days after they closed the distance and the struggles that came with living together, on their own, for the first time.
In last week's episode, Aindrea and Rich touched on the not-so-pleasant and trickier aspects of moving to be with your long distance love. In Episode 8, they follow up with a discussion around how much they love what Aindrea's big move has allowed them to do - become a couple with their own traditions. With the holidays fast approaching, learn about how they make the days special, establishing their own traditions and how this helps Aindrea when she's far from her family.
In today's episode, Rich interviews Aindrea about just what it's like to leave everything you know behind to move and be with your significant other. We discuss the scariest parts of moving, common reservations and provide some tips on how to prepare yourself for the big move.
Does porn have a place in relationships?
Porn has never been so readily available as it is today, and opinions are divided on it. Some people think it's toxic and has no place in a relationship, other couples enjoy it. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich invited opinions from listeners and discuss the responses, tackling a number of issues and giving their opinion on porn in relationships.
The discussion includes:
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Is porn toxic?
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Do insecurities play too much of a role in your relationship?
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Porn in long distance relationships
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Communication is key
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The positive side of porn you may not have considered
When you're planning the big move to close the distance, your thoughts are on the excitement and what needs to be done. What may not be at the top of your mind are all the little differences that you didn't expect - in this episode, Aindrea and Rich give their rundown of what they found the most amusing or unusual (sometimes even annoying) about each other's country, England and the United States.
There are 5 different love languages, and knowing which one fits you the best will help you and your partner communicate effectively.
In this episode, Aindrea and Rich take a love language quiz and take you through the different types you can fall into.
If you'd like to take the same quiz, you can find it here: https://www.beliefnet.com/love-family/relationships/quiz/the-5-love-languages-quiz.aspx?sid=cd1edc80
A date with your partner should be many things - it should be enjoyable, provide quality time together, and should most definitely be a regular occurrence. In episode three, we talk everything dates, starting with our perhaps slightly definition of what constitutes as a date. From there we move on to how important they are to a relationship, how they strengthen your bond and even provide some fun alternative date ideas.
The list of challenges and pitfalls of a long distance relationship are long, but Aindrea and Rich are proud of and thankful for their roots as a long distance couple and share some of the reasons others should be, too.
In Episode 2 of From Long Distance to Marriage, Aindrea and Rich discuss the often overlooked benefits of being in a long distance relationship, from honing better communication skills to remembering not to take their love for granted, even years down the line.
In the first episode, Aindrea and Rich take you back to when they were 17 and met on an online forum. Hear about the emotions, challenges and excitement that make up the details of a long distance relationship and how they made it from two teenagers living 5,000 miles apart to a happily married couple.