Being a digital nomad is great. You get to see the world, work on what you love, and meet tons of interesting people. But it can also be a difficult life when it comes to romantic relationships. The traditional model of a relationship is very location dependent. We are expected to be in the same place as our partners, preferably at all times. But as a digital nomad, this is not always possible. So how do you date as a digital nomad? Read on and find out.
Finding people
This part of dating is the same as everywhere else. Before you even get to be with someone, you have to find them. Thankfully, there are tons of fun ways to meet new people. One of them is apps like Tinder, Bumble, or OkCupid which are all useful in that they can connect you with people but they are not the best at keeping relationships going.
Another good way to find people who might be interested in you is by living with them. Couchsurfing has long been known for people who are interested in more intimate connections than simple friendships and so many people turn to the app to enjoy one-night-stands or brief friends with benefits. But there are also co-living spaces that are full of digital nomads that might be interested in connecting with others.
Lastly, nothing beats an old-fashioned bar or dance club. People are there to socialize and have fun, so you will naturally have an easier time getting a conversation or a dance-off started.
Keeping it going
Dating a digital nomad might sound like the perfect solution to your problems. After all, they also want to travel the world. But sooner rather than later, you will both realize that your lives are going in different directions and your plans need different destinations. So you will be back to square one.
One way you can keep a long-distance relationship going is by planning. There will be intervals when you won’t be in the same place but you can always visit for longer stretches of time, swing by on your way somewhere else, or curb your flight plans to have a longer layover in your partner’s city. Similarly, they might want to visit you at your destination and if you’ve been there for a few months, it can be really fun to show them around.
But how do you deal with the long stretches of time when you are apart? Make sure you have regular video-call dates that last at least an hour if not longer. Make an effort and dress up or make your surroundings look nice for the other person. Show them you care about the time you have together, even if it is online. There are also fun activities you can do together like watching a film while being on a video call together, playing online video games, or enjoying a bit of long-distance intimate time. It also helps to message every day and send pictures of what you are doing and how you are.
Communication
Lastly, the most important thing is communication. Being honest about how you feel even when the feelings are not positive can be the glue that holds you together through bad times. Your lives will go on and with them will come complications, stressors, loss, and anger and without sharing these feelings with one another, you will most likely drift apart. After all, it is not the physical closeness that keeps people together for a long time but the process of sharing our lives in a ton of different ways.
