Making a relationship work isn't an easy thing to do. It can even be more difficult when you are in a relationship with a man who's hardly present; a man who travels. He won't be there to comfort you when you've had a tough day, and you to him. He won't be your default companion when you have to go somewhere. You only get to talk over the phone or the internet, and usually it happens only once a day.
So, how do you make it work? Below are some tips on how to.
Make arrangements and stick to them.
The two of you may have to plan when you are going to talk over the phone. Agree on how often you are going to exchange text messages or emails. If he comes home regularly, let's say every month, plan your dates ahead of time, when and where. Make the necessary arrangements so that the both of you know what to expect.
Once you've agreed on things, stick to the arrangements you've made. Be there when he calls, and the same goes for him. Show up on time during your scheduled date and make the most out of the time you two have together. Avoid fights in the little limited time you have around each other.
Avoid making unnecessary demands.
Avoid being too clingy and making demands that he cannot fulfill. Understand that there are constraints may it be his work, his schedule, and the distance between you. Don't expect him to fly home every weekend just so you can go on dates. Not only is it impractical, it may only add to his stress.
Appreciate the love, support, and time that he is able to offer you. Understand that you live different lives. And if it's possible, you can even surprise him by paying him a visit so he doesn't need to fly home to see you. Be grateful for what the two of you have and cherish your relationship.
Respect his priorities.
He wants to be better in his career as you do with yours so understand that there will be times that he will need to prioritize his work. If he puts his work first, it doesn't mean that he doesn't love you. It might just be his own way of preparing for your future.
When he cancels his flight home, your Skype dates, or his phone calls because he is needed at work, try to remain calm. When his boss asks him to work overtime for a very important task, remember that he's compelled to do as he is asked. When he arrives home late because of flight delays, don't get mad at him because it's not his fault. Patience is the key to making your relationship with a man who travels.
Keep yourself occupied when he's away.
If you're doing nothing while he's away, you'll get bored. And being bored can lead to you feeling paranoid. You start to worry about what he might be doing or who he might be with. When you bring this up during your conversations, you'll probably just end up fighting.
So, try to keep yourself occupied. Spend some time with yourself or with your friends. Engage in your hobbies and have fun. This will take your mind off from missing him badly. It is important that you live your own life because if it doesn't work out with him in the end, at least you will have something to get back to and you won't feel completely lost.
By doing these simple steps, your relationship with your traveling man will work out just fine. Don't focus on what's missing in your relationship, but instead, be thankful of what you have.
What are your thoughts on long distance relationships? Leave your comments below!
