Valentines for Travel Nurses

Valentines is one of those events that can be fun and difficult at the same time. It is fun to get out and do things with a new people. At the same time, dating stirs up various emotions in us all. Now, add the fact that you are moving around every 3 months (in general). What if you meet a possible love connection while you are on assignment? You will be faced with the decision of whether or not to stay and find out if things can develop or to move regardless of what might be brewing. What will you do?

Wouldn’t you know that the “honeymoon” period in a relationship lasts approximately 3 months. This means that everything usually seems perfect the first 3 months of the relationship anyway. It isn’t until you pass the 3 month mark that you start to realize the differences you have with the other person. Therefore, if you don’t stay... you may never know how bad it would have turned out. Perhaps moving on is not such a bad idea huh? Who’s to say what you should do. I think it depends on what kind of relationship you are looking for.

For me, it was a constant struggle. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t ready to make any long term attachments, but at the time it wasn’t so clear. I would start my assignments trying to avoid love connections and end my assignments in another heartbreaking departure.

I believe the experience one has with dating on the road also depends he or she is. I was in my early twenties. Back then, the experience of traveling was more important (only slightly though) than finding someone to settle down with. Therefore, each time it came time to leave, my heart would break, but I would swallow my tears as I packed my bags and fought off my latest love connection who now felt disposable. I had this crazy notion of conquering the world somehow state by state. In the process, I conquered many potential relationships.

I dated a funny yet sort of neurotic guy on my first assignment, and a true traditional handsome Italian in the heart of Phili on my second assignment. On the assignments to follow, I dated a somewhat superficial, but cute anesthesiologist, a reserved bodybuilder type studying for his respiratory therapy degree, and an outgoing cute stockbroker type.... to mention a few. Each time, there seemed to be something I could name that was lacking in what I was looking for in a relationship. Each time, I learned something new about what I was looking for. Although, at the time, it looked like I would never find the right person. I might continue serial dating forever.

I can say though that I had a great time (until the end of my assignments). Each of us learned about ourselves and what we really wanted in a relationship. I have many great memories and perhaps more knowledge than I would have had if I stayed in one place and dated one person.

Now, I am married to a wonderful man who has a little bit of all the good parts that I liked about the people I dated and much more. He is a balanced sort of sensitive teacher, writer guy. We can connect on many different levels. I know what I have and can appreciate every minute of it. I wouldn’t be able to appreciate him as much if I hadn’t had my travel dating experiences to show me the way.

Dating on the go can be difficult, but well worth it. Who knows what it can be like for you? You may decide to stay and check out the possibilities of a blooming relationship.