Most experts agree that passionate love has a life expectancy of 2 to 4 years. So compatibility and mutual respect become increasingly important as your partnership progresses. Here are some tips to help you along.

By Patricia Cheney

Pat is a life coach who specializes in coming out gay or lesbian in adulthood. She is a lesbian who was in a heterosexual marriage for 20 years-and for 15 of those years didn't even realize she was gay! As she began to emerge from denial, Pat went through a very difficult period, but found the strength to move forward and pull her life back together. She is now divorced and in a committed partnership with a woman. Her relationships with her ex-husband, children and parents are intact. As a result of her experiences, Pat feels a deep sense of obligation to assist others who are in this situation and on their own journey of discovery.

Pat's life coach training was with the International Coach Academy, which is accredited by the International Coach Federation. She holds a bachelor's degree in health science, with formal training in mental health and over 25 years experience working in the health field. In addition, Pat has an MBA. She earned both degrees at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.