Whether you are married or still dating, if your partner has to inevitably travel for a while for work, studies, or any other reason beyond your control.
It’s likely to be a delicate phase for you and your partner, considering what distance does to many relationships.
However, there is no cause for worry as long as you both are willing to put in the work.
As for you who will be staying at home, here are some helpful tips on coping in their absence.
These tips are for your benefit as well as that of your relationship.
10 Ways To Cope When Your Partner Goes Traveling
1. Stay connected
Even though your partner is away, staying in touch and maintaining communication is important.
Set up a regular time to talk, whether it’s via phone, text, or video chat.
That way, you’ll feel more connected and less alone.
Feeling connected to your partner, even when they’re far away, can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
It can also help keep the relationship strong.
And it can be an excellent way to share your day-to-day life with your partner, even if you’re not physically together.
It can also help reduce any anxiety you may be feeling about the separation.
Another way to feel closer to your partner while they’re away is to think about them throughout the day.
You could try sending them a quick text to let them know you’re thinking of them or maybe sending them a picture of something that reminds you of them.
2. Make plans for when your partner returns
Having something to look forward to can help make the time apart go by faster.
Perhaps you could plan a date night or special activity for when your partner comes back, something to celebrate the reunion.
By making plans for when your partner returns, you’re giving yourself something to look forward to and anticipate.
Doing this can help the time pass quicker and make the separation less daunting.
It also gives you something to focus on other than that your partner is away.
And it’s something positive to think about and plan for rather than dwelling on the fact that they’re not there right now.
It doesn’t have to be anything big or elaborate.
It could be something as simple as planning a special meal together or walking in the park.
The important thing is that you both enjoy it, giving you something to look forward to.
3. Take care of yourself
It’s easy to neglect your own needs when your partner is away.
But it’s crucial to ensure you’re taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally.
Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
And be sure to make time for things that make you happy, whether it’s reading, watching a movie, or anything else you enjoy.
You could also take yourself out on a solo date to spend quality time with yourself.
Remember that you can’t be the best partner you can be if you are not taking care of yourself.
4. Get busy
Another important tip is to find ways to stay active.
Remember what they say about an idle mind being the devil’s workshop?
Yeah, shun idleness.
Your life does not have to be on hold because your partner traveled.
Having things to do can help the time pass quicker and make the separation less difficult.
It could be anything that keeps you occupied and engaged.
Maybe you like to read, play an instrument, take a class, work on a hobby, or watch movies.
You could also learn a new skill or a new language.
The key is finding things you enjoy and make you feel productive.
It’s essential to prioritise your hobbies and interests when your partner is away.
They can help you feel more fulfilled as you count down to your partner’s return.
5. Create joint rituals or traditions
Another coping mechanism you could adopt in your partner’s absence is to create a routine activity you can share with your partner.
It could be like having a weekly movie night, where you both watch the same movie and then talk about it afterward.
Or maybe you could have a special meal you cook for each other once a week, even if you’re not eating it together.
If you are Christians, you could also fast and pray together; this will greatly help your spiritual bond while you are apart.
Creating rituals and traditions like these can help you feel more connected to your partner, even when you’re not physically together.
They can also be something to look forward to and help you know that your relationship is still strong, even when you’re apart.
6. Set boundaries
This means being clear about when and how often you want to communicate with your partner while they’re away.
These boundaries will help you avoid feeling like you must be constantly available to them and help you both have some space and time to yourself.
It helps you maintain a healthy balance in your relationship.
It also gives you both a chance to miss each other and appreciate the time you have together when you’re reunited.
Don’t they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder?
Also, set boundaries in your communication with the opposite sex.
It is easy to feel so lonely that you throw caution to the wind and start getting close to the opposite sex.
This might be harmless at first, but it could place you in a compromising situation and affect your relationship if you are not self-aware.
Boundaries should be maintained within and outside the relationship.
7. Find ways to express your love for your partner
You could do this by sending them a card or letter, making them a special playlist, fixing a spa appointment for them, or doing something nice for them when they’re away.
Find a simple way to let your partner know you’re thinking of them.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – even a postcard with a simple message can be really meaningful.
Also, making a playlist is an enjoyable way to show your partner you’re thinking of them.
You can create a playlist of songs that remind you of them or songs that you think they would like.
Then, you can share the playlist with them; they can listen to it when they miss you.
8. Stay connected with your friends and family
Spending time with the people you love can help you feel less lonely and isolated when your partner is gone.
There are a few reasons why staying connected with your friends and family is essential.
First, it can help you feel less lonely when your partner is away.
Second, it can give you a support system to rely on when things are tough.
And third, it can help you maintain your sense of self and individuality outside of your relationship.
So, when your partner is away, make sure you’re taking the time to connect with the people who are important to you.
10. Understand that it’s just a phase
Life is in phases and stages.
The beauty of it is that just as seasons come and go, each phase has its expiry date.
If your partner is in a season where they have to travel for an extended period, this understanding can be an anchor for your life.
It will help you relax your expectations of them in that season while you patiently wait for your reunion.
This understanding will also help minimize quarrels and offenses that could easily arise due to the distance.
LAST THOUGHTS
Interestingly, even though this period seems challenging in your relationship, you may miss the days you were alone when your partner returns from their trip.
This will depend on how well you maximized the period while it lasted.