Long-distance relationships, even if on a temporary basis, are not for everyone. The technology available today – FaceTime calls, text messaging, social media – goes a long way to help us stay connected while miles separate us, but it takes more than just staying in touch to maintain the intimacy of a romantic relationship while on the road. If you and your partner have agreed to tackle the distance, here are 6 things you can do to stoke the fire while on a travel assignment.
Travel Nursing Romance Tips:
- SET EXPECTATIONS Before you leave, have an open conversation to understand each other's expectations about the separation. If he thinks a call or text first thing every morning makes sense and you think every other day is appropriate, but you don't share that, both of you will be disappointed. You don’t have to define every aspect of your lives, but it will serve you well to cover the basics.
- GO OLD SCHOOL A card, short note, or even a longer love letter sent via snail mail will be an unexpected token of your love and a great way to let your loved one know you are thinking of them. Holding a tangible item with your handwriting on it is much more intimate than a text message.
- PLAN A VISIT If schedules allow, break up the assignment with a visit. Ideally, you and your love can meet somewhere away from home and your work location to ease the ache of missing each other. If a destination visit isn’t in the cards, have him come visit you so you can share some of the new things you’ve seen and experienced while you’re reconnecting.
- STAY BUSY Make sure your life doesn’t become a cycle of working and waiting to go home. Take advantage of your time apart by doing things your partner doesn’t like to do. It will give you something interesting to talk about, increase feelings of fulfillment, and chase off the doldrums that can creep in when you're missing someone.
- DO MORE THAN TALK Schedule a call or FaceTime to work out, take a walk, listen to a podcast, or watch a movie together. Simulating the normal at-home routine will feel like you never left, if even for a short time. Plus, it lessens the pressure of coming up with interesting conversation topics for a phone call.
- RECHARGE THE RELATIONSHIP When you get back home, remove the distractions and spend time alone together. Just like you want to make the most of the time apart, you want to make the most of the time together, especially if you have another assignment coming up. Make a special point to do the things you enjoy doing together while you can.
As in all relationships, communication is key. Talking to you partner about your feelings and addressing any hiccups during your absence will help you avoid the common pitfalls of long-distance love. Take these extra steps to ensure your relationship is as strong as, or even stronger than, it was before you left.
Tell us: how do you keep the flame lit while on a travel assignment?