It’s no secret that one of the most challenging aspects of living abroad is living away from your spouse or partner. From long-distance relationship issues to simply feeling lonely in a new country, it can be difficult to stay connected with your spouse while maintaining your independence abroad.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, these five tips will help you make the most of your situation and strengthen your bond with your partner in the process.
1. Talk to each other often and openly about your feelings, both the good and the bad.
2. Find ways to make time for yourselves as a couple, even if it’s just going on walks or cooking dinner together.
3. Be patient with each other and understand that there will be adjustments to living in a new country.
4. Take advantage of opportunities to travel and explore your new home together.
5. Lean on each other for support, and don’t forget to have fun!
Learn ways you can support your partner here.
One of the most important things to do when living abroad as a married couple is to communicate like adults. This means being honest about your feelings, being respectful of each other's cultures and traditions, and being willing to compromise. Without communication, it will be very difficult to make your relationship work.
One thing you need to be prepared for when living abroad as a married couple is the lack of space. In most cases, you'll be sharing a small apartment or house with your spouse and possibly some roommates. This can be challenging at first, but it's important to try to find some personal space where you can have some alone time.
Find out if there are any activities that only take place in one room so that you know which room is yours. It also helps if you choose a bedroom that isn't near your partner's bedroom so that they don't wake up in the middle of the night because they feel like someone else is nearby.
One of the best ways to enjoy your time living abroad is to find friends together. This can help you feel less isolated in a new place and make the experience more fun. Plus, it can be helpful to have someone to talk to about the challenges of living in a new country.
Here are a few tips for finding friends abroad: Join online communities (you may not even need to leave home to do this), such as Expat Forum or Expat Woman. Research expat groups on Facebook or LinkedIn for your city of choice before moving there so that you know what events are happening and where to find them, like expat clubs at pubs or church groups.
One of the best ways to enjoy your time living abroad as a married couple is to try and understand the culture of your new home. This can be difficult, especially if you come from two different cultures yourself.
But it's important to remember that there are always two sides to every story. Try to learn about your new culture from your partner's perspective, and ask them questions about their own experiences growing up. Chances are, you'll have a lot in common!