Geraldine feels as if her marriage is stilted and is wondering if a holiday with her hubby could get things back on track. So, in Travel SOS, Leon discusses the pros and cons of a make-or-break getaway.
Q. Geraldine
My husband and I are having a hard time with our relationship. He’s just retired and I’ve been retired for a few years and I’m wondering if a holiday might help us get things right again. What do you think?
A. Normally I would say a holiday is the answer to most problems. I mean, who doesn’t want to go away and escape the pressure and/or drudgery of daily life?
Now, I’m no relationship expert, but I would say, in this instance, I’d be wary of thinking a holiday will be a fix-all for your marriage.
Travelling as a couple can be a true test of the strength of your relationship. It can also break apart a union quicker than you can say “two tickets please”.
And although the novelty of travel could be a good thing to kick-start a stagnant relationship, the road you tread can be fraught with peril. A missed connection, the wrong meal coming to your table, driving on unknown roads or dealing with strangers in a strange place can put pressure on people at the best of times, let alone during a rocky relationship.
Having said that, the ‘Travel as Relationship Therapy’ study published in the Journal of Travel Research revealed that relationship satisfaction and commitment to building stronger bonds improved after couples travelled together.
My advice would be to go away for a weekend, maybe to a B&B in the country or a health spa in the hinterland. Ensure you have plenty of things to do, but relax and leave time for conversation and intimacy. Maybe just getting out of the house will help, but it’s probably best to test the waters before diving into a full-blown overseas trip.
Then, if that goes well, book a longer trip somewhere and solidify your renewed bond.
If it doesn’t, it may be best to consult a relationship specialist who will be able to help you in a constructive and caring way.
Geraldine, I wish you all the best and truly hope you have a happy holiday that breathes new life into your love life!
Do you have any tips for Geraldine? Have you been in a similar position? Did a holiday help your relationship?
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