What I Do When My Partner Travels

My partner travels quite frequently for business or leisure—and I must admit the first few days he’s gone are the hardest.

As he makes up the majority of the relationship chunk of my life, I end up with all this free time. We also live together so I’m used to him being around, at least in the later hours of the day. I thought I would share a little bit of a satirical account of what happens when he’s gone.

#1. I become the self-care queen

With all these hours left to myself, especially in the evenings, I scurry to the bathroom for a skincare routine that lasts approximately 30 minutes in length and includes two masks including tax. I light my rose-scented candles and pour myself a glass of Pinot Gris.

#2. I go to an upscale bar with a book because I’m a smart b***tch

I woke up from my nap feeling depressed as hell. So I made myself look presentable and walked over to one of my new favorite places to drink. I grab a seat at the bar with my book and highlighter. I say hi to one of my favorite girlies and friend working the bar, and she looks like she could use a hug because the place is swamped. Today’s book is on building great cultures (The Culture Code, though I doubt you care) because it’s as if I don’t already work enough during the week.

By the end of the night, I traded the best U.S. and Spain travel destinations with a retired American investment banker on white cue cards. Obviously, I am the best tour guide.

#3. I take a two-hour stupid mental health walk

I do my loop around the water and admire how pretty it is. Although the yachts could be bigger I think. I feel surprisingly calm as I listen to my music or podcast, a very rare feeling. This walk ends up by the beach and I sporadically stop to look at dogs who populate this city more than kids (for good reason).

#4. I read more 

Because what else am I supposed to do with all this free time now? Usually, my brain matter is filled with my partner’s rants about business, random childhood stories, and random facts. Oh and more business ideas.

#5. I cook and clean like I actually like it

I wash, I vacuum, and I dust as if I’m a good housewife. Except I’m a good housewife to myself because I deserve it. I take many Instagram shots of my meal that can only be described as gastronomy. #ARTISAN 

My place is always immaculate up to 20 minutes after my partner comes back.

Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

#6. I Gang up My Cuffed Girls

Because they need it. I host, we drink bubbly and tequila, and we drag our lightweight asses to the club. Late night Mcdonalds and all 4/5 recommend on Yelp.

#7. I Finish Yet Another Show Ft. Toxic Relationships

Another show that romanticizes toxic relationships with gorgeous people and laced with mediocre sex scenes. We can never escape this, can we? But so oddly addicting to watch.

Final Thoughts

Somewhere along the line of this trajectory of activities, I realize how great company I am, and what fun it is to spend time with myself. It’s really easy to forget this when you get into a relationship, so from time to time, this is a great reminder to take myself on more dates. I hope you do the same, regardless of whether you’re in a relationship or not. Because YOU are AWESOME.

P.S. Excuse my slightly Gen Z side coming out today. We will resume normal business Monday. Don’t run away yet, please.