Leaving Boyfriend to go travelling...sad! :(

Hi there!
I've done the same thing as you... several times. I went on my gap year after having met my boyfriend which in a way was harder because we'd only been together a few months when I left. I have since studied abroad for over a month, and my boyfriend has worked abroad for 6 months. We've been together for over five years, and yes being apart is hard, but there's usually phone and email... even the old fashioned letter! As for seeing other people while you're apart - that seems a little strange to me if you've been together for four years, and it's likely to cause more issues for you both when you return - what if one of you has ended up in a relationship with someone else? What if you were taking comfort from someone else and then don't know which one you truly want to be with? How would you feel if one evening you phone your boyfriend feeling homesick to hear he's out on a date with someone else? Plus are you feeling more upset about saying goodbye because you've left the future open and don't know you'll be returning to your relationship? Is it harder leaving for a few months because you might reyurn to very different circumstances? I suggest you talk through the issue with your boyfriend and decide what you are both most comfortable with. From personal experince I'll admit that goodbyes are hard, but just think what your reunion could be like! 😊 It's a shame he didn't want to share your adventure with you but don't let it spoil your travels. Enjoy yourself, and in 3-4 months you'll be right back where you were. It's not such a long time, and who knows, maybe your boyfriend will change his mind halfway through and come and visit you! If not the stories of your travels might persuade him that next time he wants to come too! Best of luck to you whatever you decide, and most of all enjoy your travels. It's something you've chosen to do so make the most of it! Reply to this

Travelling without a boyfriend Reply to this

Hello Love,

In short, my first serious boyfriend I met on the road travelling...we hung out and decided to follow the same path for the summer. We were together for about 3 years living together, travelling locally and abroad. We were young and for all the right reasons parted ways. My next boyfriend of 5 years ultimatley ended due to my selfish traveling ways...when I set my mind to something, not alot can stop me, you're either with me or against me.

I met him at work...gorgeous, smart, dedicated, reliable, talented and a to-die for voice with an acoustic guitar. After 9 months of serious dating (even though I was pretty sure he was "the one", we still only said "I really like you!" not I love you yet, yes we're still young) I moved to the Caribbean for a year...with a self recorded mix tape of his professions of love and a few hand written letters and an uncertainty of what the future would hold, I closed my eyes and wished upon my own star. When I returned, I'm not lying, it was hard. He had his own life...band practice, basketball, art, work and his friends. Yes, it was weird when I came back, thinking he would want to spend every waking moment with me. In reality...he had continued to live. What did I expect? I had made a decision to accomplish a personnal goal, another check mark on my list. Well, slowly, but surely we continued to give it a go. About a year after I returned, I bought a house with my dog and asked him to move in. (Now it's been about 3 years) To which I take a job travelling...of course right? The job lasted 5 years on the road travelling 20 days a month. Good for me to quench my thirst, and I always asked about how it was for him...never once did he complain, lay a guilt trip or beg me to come home. The boy...he lasted, it's been nearly 8 years and now we're married! Happily travelling right along all the life's little in betweens. He let's me go when I need to, and comes along when he wants. I could never dream of anything better! The right boy will let you be you...and when the tables turn, you will let him be him. Reply to this

When I was 19 I put a hold on travel dreams for a boyfriend. I try to live life without regrets, so I'll put it this way.... I don't regret my decision, but it taught me a valuable lesson, which is not to let go of a dream because of a boyfriend. It's something that can come back to haunt you (I STILL resent that ex, it was one of the things that tore us apart in the end).

At the end of the day, 4 months seems like a long time, but in actuality it's not, especially on your end. Time flies by so fast when you're on the move, I say that if you keep in touch the time will go by faster than you're anticipating. 4 years together is an AMAZING base with which to have this sort of separation, and I think you'll be fine. As far as seeing other people goes.... well, personally I don't think it's the best idea for such an established relationship, but if you 2 are mature enough for that sort of addition to your relationship and it's what you both feel you need, then follow your heart. Do keep in mind, though, that 4 months is really nothing. It is, but it isn't - not compared to 4 years. It'll be over before you know it, and absence makes the heart grow fonder. Good luck with everything, and have fun on your trip! Reply to this

Thanks so much for everyones help!
We have decided to stay together and see how it goes....
thanks again!
xxxx Reply to this