5 Styles of Romantic Dating as a Digital Nomad
Successful romantic relationships are created with quality time, open communication, mutual intimacy, trust, patience, and commitment. Meeting someone on your journey across the globe can be magical for people traveling full-time. The beautiful part of dating as a digital nomad is the wide range of options available. These types of relationships can bring all sorts of new experiences: new languages, new worldviews, new memories in foreign lands, and much more.
Dating as a digital nomad comes with its own unique set of challenges. There are often complications related to travel schedules, language barriers, cultural differences, visa restrictions, and emotional or mental expectations. Travelers tend to have itchy feet, which means although they are ready for their next destination, they may need more time to reconsider the status of their current romantic relationships. It is a delicate juggling act between the head and the heart.
These nomadic relationships typically depend on a few significant factors, including the level of commitment and geographic proximity. Regardless of your choice, here are the five main styles of romantic dating options as a Digital Nomad.
1. Traveling Together Relationship (Strong Commitment, Close Geographic Proximity)
The ideal situation for two digital nomads who prioritize a transient lifestyle is deciding as a couple to travel together. When both individuals can compromise on maintaining a similar nomadic lifestyle, this can be a magical experience for all parties involved. Whether they change countries every few months or plan to live out of a van, this type of couple can have a genuinely profound connection as they are both pursuing their purpose through the love of travel. And they are doing it together! This type of relationship will require a hefty dose of flexibility and compromise to meet both parties' travel desires. For digital nomads seeking a committed romantic relationship, this option tends to be the most favorable.
2. Long-Distance Relationship (Strong Commitment, Distant Geographic Proximity)
A long-distance nomadic relationship is a dynamic that occurs more often than you think. This romantic structure is built by two individuals living in geographically different cities, countries, or continents. Although it may not sound ideal, a strong bond keeps these individuals together. Long-distance relationships can work if both parties agree upon clear expectations regarding communications, exclusivity, and trust. Personal needs and romantic expectations must be discussed openly and honestly. Asking questions such as: how often are you expected to connect over video or phone calls? Is a specific reunion date in place? Are we open to the opportunity of meeting other people? Long-distance relationships require compromise, patience, and over-communication.
It works if you work it.
3. Casual Relationship (Low Commitment, Close Geographic Proximity)
Due to the very transient nature of digital nomads, a large majority prefer to engage in casual relationships. This generation of transient globe trotters has adopted a new wave of romantic relationships known as the ‘Hook Up Culture.’ Young adults no longer feel pressured to marry the first person who exudes ‘spouse potential.’ More people than ever have even removed marriage as a necessary goal in life. The idea of ‘settling down’ does not seem to threaten digital nomads the way that it may affect other groups. Therefore the hook-up culture is in full swing. With the help of dating apps like Tinder and Bumble - casual relationships with low levels of emotional commitment are readily available. In a group of people like digital nomads who may only spend a few weeks up to a few months in one location - casual dating is a short-term option to seize the moment.
Therefore, let the good time role.
4. Strong Friendships (Low Commitment, Close/Distant Geographic Proximity)
Although a romantic relationship sometimes sounds appealing, ‘dating’ your friends can also be a fulfilling experience. As mentioned above, this lifestyle is very transient and fast-moving, and likely, your friends will be digital nomads, too. They also enjoy the same experience and serendipitous moments that travel offers, including exploring new cultures, surprise trips to new destinations, testing out local cuisines, and living in spontaneity. Instead of pursuing a romantic relationship with one partner, maybe you can consider ‘dating’ your friends. Ask your friend if she wants to try a new yoga class together in Cusco. Invite your other friend on a weekend boat cruise to Isla Mujeres. Dating your friends can be as rewarding as a romantic relationship.
5. Dating Yourself: Self-Love
Although this may sound cliche - have you ever thought about dating yourself? For some, a true love story is where you fall in love with the person you have become through your journey. Instead of investing in another person, why not invest that time and energy into yourself? Why not take yourself out to a nice restaurant? Upgrade your flight to business class. Hire a private chef to cook your dinner or, even better, teach you how to cook that incredible meal. Romantic relationships extend further than a two-person experience. The romance you give to yourself is irreplaceable, and you will undoubtedly love the gesture and the memory.
Treat yourself!
Regardless of how to decide to date, make sure you take the steps needed to establish your needs and desires in a relationship. As a digital nomad, you will meet all sorts of people from different countries and cultures. It is wise to keep your options open, set your boundaries, develop strong values, acquire strong communication skills and appreciate the connection in front of you!