Scott Nimmer from Liberty Township, Ohio, is a finalist in the Dear GMA Advice Guru Contest. Read his response to a viewer-submitted question below!
Question from Tara in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.: "My fiance and I dated for seven years and we're getting married in March. We've lived in different states for the past four years and are excited to be soon living together. What's the best way to make sure we don't take our time together for granted and what challenges should we look out for as we readjust to being together all the time?"
Scott's Answer: Tara, you and your fiancée are about to enter a new and exciting time in your lives, the last thing you should be thinking about is taking each other for granted. If you are, maybe you need to think more about what marriage means to you. After four years of separation are you just doing this because it is the plan, or are you truly in love and ready to commit yourself to a relationship that will bring you two together?
At this point in the relationship you should be ready for the excitement and passion marriage will bring. After seven years and four years of geographical separation, this next step in your relationship should be your next great adventure. You should be thinking about the joys the two of you will share in the future, not the challenges. Look at it this way, every relationship has challenges, whether it is a friendship, a short or long term relationship, or a marriage.
If you have been together for seven years and apart for four and are truly ready for marriage, you already possess the ability to negotiate the next challenges life throws you. Instead of worrying, think ahead to vacations, walks in the woods, or spending Sundays together in your PJ's watching your favorite show or reading your favorite books.
If you are still worried, talk to your fiancée/husband. Communication is the key to any successful relationship. If you are worried about something, there is a good chance he is feeling the same way and it is important to open up to each other as much as possible. Things may be rough or feel cramped in the beginning after being apart for so long, but Tara, I believe in you, if you have made it this far, surviving four years apart and are still in love enough to spend the rest of your lives together, you should not be worrying about taking each other for granted. Get married using the confidence you already have and enjoy your day knowing the best days are yet to come.