Even though we love travelling together and experiencing all of the things our wonderful world has to offer, we sometimes wonder: is backpacking bringing us a bit too close?!
We spend every moment together: we sleep, eat, work and hang out 24 hours/day, 7 days/week…and are going on four years of this lifestyle. Because of this, we’re bound to see every possible side of one another. There are no secrets here!
We absolutely adore each another, are best friends and truly are soul mates,
BUT…
Sometimes we’ve seen things, and done things that maybe a couple should never, ever have to see or do! During our moments of sickness on the road, there’s been absolutely no privacy. None. The guesthouse walls are paper-thin so not only is the significant other having a front row seat to the near-death experience happening in the bathroom, but the neighbours are also privy to it!
Nothing screams romance like dying on the toilet.
Of course we want to be there for one another and help each other feel better, but does seeing your spouse’s fecal matter splattered on their leg, or saying “omg, I literally just shit my pants” really help to keep the romance alive?
And since when did clipping toe nails and flossing teeth in front of one another become acceptable? Again, the things you would do in privacy just aren’t possible while on the road.
Even though we’ve seen and witnessed it all (and I mean alllll), we are still totally in love, totally happy and somehow, attracted to one another!
In the end, yes, backpacking can bring couples very close. Even though it may seem like it’s a bit too close for comfort, I think that level of intimacy and openness can only make a relationship flourish… at least it has for us.
What do you think? Does this sound like a recipe for a dating disaster, or for a wonderful relationship? Leave a comment below!
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I think it sounds like you guys have an amazing relationship!
Alex and I don’t get to travel for extended periods so much these days, but being expats for a long time now (I don’t wish to count the years!) we are often glued together, when we move to a new country we have each other to rely on, which is great, but there are also times we’ve driven each other a bit mad! But I wouldn’t change it for the world and we’ve seen the absolute best and worst of each other and after all these years we’re still very much in love 🙂 We don’t see it as a bad thing at all!
Traveling with Casey has definitely brought us closer. We started our marriage with an 8-week road trip across the US. If you want to learn every little thing about someone fast, travel with them. Casey insisted that before we got married we would have to take a trip together. Everything comes out when you’re traveling and it’s comforting to know your with someone who’s got your back in sickness and health. :-p
Hey guys, thanks for the comment!
We totally agree! Travelling and living abroad is a great way to really get to know one another. You learn so much and see every side of each other, we also think it’s a great thing 🙂
Cheers.
Haha, I think that’s a great condition she imposed on the two of you. There is no better way to get to know a person than traveling with them – especially being in the confines of a car!
So true, even though it may be gross at times, we too can always rely on each other when we’re sick.
Cheers for the comment 🙂
Hi you two
I met you two in malawi and since I met you two I have been following you blog/website you are awesome and yes I think it can make or brake a couple
And I don’t think you two are or will leave each others lives
Hope we meet up again somewhere in this live have a super fab day
Kindest regards
Henry
Henry it’s great to hear from you!
We’re stoked that you’re following us and thanks for the kind words. We also found you and your family quite inspirational and it would be great to meet up again sometime. Where are you now? Is everything well?
Don’t know when we’ll be back to S.A but when we come we will definitely make a point of contact.
Keep in touch via email (e) & hopefully we can make it happen!
Cheers and safe travels.
Your friends,
Nick & Dariece.
Traveling and assembling Ikea furniture 😉 If you can put together a bed frame together and not kill each other, I also think it’s a great sign!
haha, that’s so true! There’s nothing more frustrating….
Cheers guys 🙂
Love this post as I’ve often wondered this. It definitely depends whether you are really meant to be together and it obviously looks like you guys are! 🙂
Thanks Becky.
It’s true, this kind of travel can either bring couples closer, or pull them apart. Lucky for us, it has brought us closer!
Cheers!
You guys are too cute! I usually travel solo, but I can imagine how close traveling can bring a couple. Cheers to still going strong – even after those romantic toilet episodes!
haha, thanks Jessica 🙂 There definitely have been some toilet episodes….not exactly romantic!
Cheers for the comment
Oh my goodness, I treasure this!! My boyfriend and I went on our first short weekend trip together after only dating a few weeks. Then a couple weeks after that we went to Puerto Rico with all his best friends. It completely erased the “dating honeymoon” when my Celiac stomach kicked in! It’s been a year since then and we’ve been somewhere every few weeks. There are moments where it feels we are too close for comfort (I mean we have seen and heard way more than we ever wanted to!) – but for the most part, I treasure it. It’s not a fake love, it’s a real love. And there’s nobody I’d rather have as my travel buddy!
We are heading out on our first long-term trip – Costa Rica for at least a few months with some side trips Central American trips here and there! I’m sure this will push us into even new territory!
I completely agree with what you said – it’s a real love, not a fake one. If you can truly be yourself, then it’s a solid relationship 🙂 Enjoy your upcoming adventures!