Perhaps no longer putting the love in Love Island, the latest season’s own Paul Knops has been papped jetting off to New York City without his girlfriend, Laura Anderson. Leading many of the press to consider the two’s only destination is Splitville. But what if Paul just want’s to get away for a bit by himself? Isn’t that OK?
We worked with top Life Coach, Carole Ann Rice, who knows just how important it is to be an individual even if you’re in a relationship…!
1. Your partner doesn’t enjoy traveling:
Opposites attract, after all. It’s common for you having hobbies that your partner doesn’t share. You can’t share everything and that is okay, and you shouldn’t force people to do things they don’t want to do. This is true for old and new couple, and beneficial for both. So, if your passion is for travel, you don’t want to force your partner to tag along; enrich your own passion while being respectful.
2. It’s healthy to spend time apart:
Space can be good for everyone. Sometimes you need your girlie or boy holiday, which means it’s good to have different experiences as well as shared ones. This balance is key, but always clearly communicate this. Isolation or breaking things off without informing your partner can give the wrong impression.
3. Either of you travelling alone is a measure of trust:
Solo travelling really tests your trust for a couple which is good! Trust them away from you with their friends, or alone. As long as you keep the dialogue of expectations open, you will both be fine.
4. Theres an array of ways to stay connected:
It could cause anxiety and jealousy, especially in the early stages of relationships but there is plenty of ways to communicate… Facebook, email, text, calls, Skype… so you can put each others mind at rest.
5. But don’t make it a habit:
Although it is good and shouldn’t be a bad thing, solo travelling shouldn’t be a habit which causes no trips together …. ever. While it’s 100% healthy to commit to time away from one another you’re individuals just as much as you’re a team spending time together is just as important.
