Overview

Marriage has traditionally been regarded as a union in which two individuals cohabitate, sharing their lives both physically and emotionally. However, due to the evolving nature of work, globalization, and contemporary socio-economic factors, long-distance marriages (LDMs) have become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon. This course aims to explore the realities associated with long-distance marriages, examining the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges they present, as well as the strategies required to maintain intimacy, trust, and companionship in the face of physical separation.

Throughout this course, participants will analyze the factors contributing to the rise of long-distance marriages, the difficulties faced by both spouses and children, and the coping mechanisms that couples may employ—successfully or unsuccessfully—to manage the strains associated with distance. Furthermore, the course will address the potential risks associated with substitute spouses, the motivations for their emergence, and the measures couples can take to protect their marriages from emotional and physical infidelity.

This course is designed to provide couples with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in long-distance marriages and to offer practical strategies for fortifying their relationships. Whether participants are currently engaged in a long-distance marriage, contemplating one, or simply seeking to understand its dynamics better, this course will deliver valuable insights aimed at safeguarding, sustaining, and potentially enriching their union despite geographic separation.

Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the Evolution of Long Distance Marriages
2. Recognize the Emotional and Psychological Realities of Long Distance Marriage
3. Identify the Motivation and Dangers of Substitute Spouses
4. Establish Boundaries and Safeguard a Long Distance Marriage
5. Overcome Common Discontinuities in Long Distance Marriages
6. Plan for Reunification and Long-Term Stability

These learning outcomes provide the framework for all discussions, reflections, and exercises in this course.