Make the commitment to each other and your marriage to give 100 percent effort into the reconciliation. Separation often scars both individuals in the marriage, especially if one of the partners didn't want to separate. These scars don't heal on their own. Make sure that you are both giving and getting what you want in terms of absolute commitment to the reconciliation.

Communicate your hopes for the marriage, your fears and what it was like living separate from each other. These talks will bring you closer together because you will learn a great deal about each other. Don't focus on the past by asking questions about the past. What's done is done, but the separation must have been somewhat worthwhile if you both are committing to making it work.

Be patient with each other. A good marriage takes time to build and yours has been bruised, but not broken. Of course there will be some feelings of resentment and anger, but focus on why you are working on the relationship as opposed to why you were angry in the first place. Don't expect wounds to heal overnight, but they will eventually heal with commitment and communication--and a whole lot of patience.

See a marriage counselor if there are certain issues you feel you need mediated. Marriage counselors can help you get to the root of the problem so that you're not concealing what is really going on with petty things. Getting counseling is not something to be ashamed of, rather it shows that you both are willing to do whatever it takes to make the marriage strong again. There is no shame in getting help.

Sit down with each other and come up with a plan. Write down what your goals are for the marriage. Write down each person's wants and needs. Review this plan together often. Remember the plan when you are feeling like you want to delve into the past. Make a promise to yourself to live in the present and make the most of what you have now--a partner who missed you and wants to make it work.