A Marriage won’t always be picture perfect, so challenges will always be around the corner. What will you do if one of the problems you face is along the lines of having a long commute?

At first, you may think that ending a marriage over a long commute is outrageous, but a Swedish study can prove you otherwise. The 10-year long study claims that couples who brave through a 45-minute or more worth of commute have a 40 percent chance of getting a divorce. There is also an abundance of news articles and stories all over the internet on how this matter needs to be acknowledged.

While there are different reasons for a marriage to end, a long commute is a possible factor to be included in that list. However, it takes two to tango and there are some ways that couples can practice to avoid it.

Just a Phone Call Away

Sometimes we forget that we live in a time wherein we can access everything with a touch of a finger. Your spouse is probably one of the contacts on your speed dial list, so if you’re not commuting together, keep them company through a phone call. You can also use that time to tell them about your day.

Coordinates Each Other’s Schedule

Since your time is being consumed with work, personal errands, and of course the lengthy travel time that you both dread – it’s time to set a day within the week or month where you both decide to take a day off and spend time with each other.

Send Constant Updates

Time spent apart means both of you are somewhere else surrounded by other people. Whether it’s related to work, or meeting an old friend in passing, remember to Send Constant Updates of your whereabouts. It would help your partner maintain their peace of mind, and it won’t lead to unnecessary assumptions.

Check on Their Health

Being caught up in a bumper-to-bumper traffic situation on a daily is nowhere near fun. There are findings on how long commutes may lead to fatigue, poor sleep quality, and overall low general health. If your partner is stressed, it may affect the way they act towards you, so it’s important to keep their health in check. Maybe remind them to drink their vitamins or healthy smoothie in the morning before the long ride.

Get Another Job Closer to Home

Transferring to another company won’t be the best option for most. If the couple’s working area affects your marriage, then maybe looking for a job within your home’s vicinity. Long transit rides or draining car drives would finally be out of the picture. You’ll have more time with each other.

The post A Long Commute: Can it Make or Break Your Marriage? appeared first on Texas Divorce and Family Law Blog.