Is That Flight Truly Worth the Trip?
We’ve seen all the movies. We’ve read all the books. Call us crazy, but is there anything more romantic than finding love in a foreign country? We know it sounds impractical, and a lot of hiccups get in the way, but they’re a small price to pay for a lifelong partnership. Of course, other people see it as a crazy risk. So, which side is right? It’s time we explored both sides of the coin!
1. Loneliness
Unless you have thousands of dollars to drop every year, we doubt you’re seeing that special someone very often. As painful as it can be, dating abroad is no different than a long-distance relationship, which often leads to fewer trips than usual.
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2. The Risk of Insecurities
Everyone feels insecure now and then, but it’s an entirely different ballgame with long-distance flames. It’s harder to feel connected to someone who you don’t see very often, and there’s no real way to tell if they have anyone on the side. Of course, it doesn’t help to think that way about your partner, but some people can’t help it.
3. Cultural Differences
Though cultural differences aren’t a deal-breaker, they can cause significant strain on the relationship. Based on how you each view, say, gender roles or marriage, you might butt heads about some pretty important topics.
4. Travel Costs
Travel costs are much more than airfare; they include anything from accommodations and food to surprising fees that pop up at the airport. If you rent a car or plan on taking public transport, that’s another added cost. Depending on how long you stay there, you might even see visa fees and complicated paperwork!
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5. You Can’t Connect Properly
It’s harder to develop a bond with someone you don’t see all the time. Of course, you don’t need to spend every waking moment together, but couples have an easier time connecting with a weekly visit—not a monthly one.
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6. Conflicting Schedules
New beaus have a hard enough time meeting in the same timezone! Imagine how much harder it is when you’re seven hours apart. Sure, it’s not impossible, but it’s just another roadblock in your way.
7. Language Barriers
Some people get so caught up in an accent that they forget about the language barrier. Again, it’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely something that can lead to awkwardness. Constant misunderstandings only hurt your relationship, not help.
8. It Might Not Be Love
It’s easy to get swept off your feet in Italy. You’re surrounded by gorgeous artwork and fascinating people; life feels like a movie…and that’s how you fall prey to being in lust with someone. Once the flame dwindles, many people realize that they were simply enamored with the culture, not the person.
9. Choosing Between Your Life and Theirs
Partners always need to make time for each other, and sometimes that means missing out on events. It’s not the biggest deal when you’re in the same country, but people who rarely see each other might take offense. Dating abroad is a delicate balancing act between your life and theirs.
10. Emotional Weight
Relationships are never easy—long-distance is even harder. Finding love overseas comes with its own set of hardships, ones that creep into your life over time. Though it seems fun now, it might not be a few months down the line.
Long-distance relationships may be hard, but that doesn’t mean they’re off the table! People make it work every day, and those lucky couples would be the first to tell you how every obstacle is worth it. Let’s dive into a few reasons love abroad can be the right fit.
1. You Genuinely Like Them
We don’t choose who we love. If you like someone, you like them, and plenty of people consider that a good enough reason! If you want to see how it goes with someone, no one’s stopping you. After all, they could just be the one.
2. Exploring New Places
You won’t see that special someone every day, but that’s what makes your visits so special! You’ll see everything from new people to new cultures, and getting firsthand experience from a local in love only strengthens your bond.
3. Learn New Cultures
It’s not every day you learn about a new culture. It’s even rarer to fully immerse yourself in one. It’s a unique experience that broadens your horizons and provides a profound take on life. Even better, you’re with a new partner.
4. Different Ideas of Romance
Your idea of love could be entirely different from your beau. We know that sounds daunting, but merging two cultures makes your romance even sweeter. Who knows? You could be with a guy who isn’t shy about PDA, or someone who openly serenades you!
5. You Connect in Unique Ways
The language is a little bumpy, and you only see each other a few times a year—but you know what they say. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Your situation allows you both to connect in special ways.
6. Learn a New Language
So, they speak another language. Who said you can’t learn it? Learning some new words is always a good boost to our confidence, but it also helps us get even closer to those we love. Not only will you better understand your partner, but you’ll also show them just how important they are to you.
7. There’s Always Conversation
Infrequent trips sound like a nightmare. However, there’s one huge upside: you’ll never run out of things to talk about! As you both live your lives apart, you can share every new experience when you finally reunite.
8. Broaden Your Horizons
Long-distance relationships can actually do a world of good for self-discovery. The more you travel alone, the more confident you become. You can problem-solve more easily, too, and learn all about yourself in the process. It’s a great time for reflection and romance.
9. New Cuisines
We’re not saying you should date abroad for the food! But food brings people together, especially through family recipes and different cooking styles. You can build an even stronger connection with each other through forks alone. (Cooking together over a video call is also a cute date idea.)
10. Love Knows No Bounds
Say what you want about long-distance love—those who do it know the benefits. At the end of the day, two people who genuinely care about each other won’t let distance separate them. They’ll always find a way to make it work, and if your relationship blossoms into a lifelong partnership, we’d say that was worth it.
