I’ve Picked Up A New Hobby That Basically Ensures I’ll Never Get Married

I’ve recently found a new love that fulfills me in a way nothing else has, and his name is travel. Experiencing so many new places and cultures has literally changed my life, but it’s also put me in a bind. I believe my new love will prevent me from finding the romantic kind.

1. I’m never home. A few years ago, I decided to travel somewhere different every month. It was the most exhilarating year of my life and the experience left me wanting more. Nowadays, I take a trip whenever I get a chance. This is pretty often, which means I’m hardly ever home. How can I build a relationship with someone if I’m never around? I’m still trying to figure it all out.
2. After taking a trip, I enjoy “me time.” I always take an extra day or two off of work after returning from vacation. This gives me a chance to reacclimate myself into everyday life. The last thing I want to do during this time is to go on a date. I’m typically deprived of energy and I much rather spend time alone to recuperate.
3. I enjoy the temporary separation from life. Careers can be stressful, but so can relationships. My vacations are a pleasant distraction from the many issues of life. I don’t have to worry about meeting any work deadlines. I’m also not concerned about whether or not that new guy will ever call. While on a trip, I can narrow my focus to the present experience and leave all other worries behind.
4. As of now, nothing is more important to me than travel. Traveling provides a sense of mental relief that the majority of my previous relationships haven’t. If I have to choose, I’m going to go on that vacation this weekend instead of going out on another pointless date.
5. I’m so cool, I get invited on couples’ trips too. It’s not as awkward as it sounds! I enjoy and actually prefer hanging out with other couples without a significant other in tow. From weekend getaways to trips to Cabo and Jamaica, I’ve had a blast being the odd man out. You have to be pretty comfortable in your own skin to pull this off, and I am. Plus, the fact that these are my close friends adds a whole new dimension to the trips.
6. I prefer traveling with girlfriends versus a significant other. Perhaps I’m not dating the right people, but it seems I have so much more fun on girls’ trips. Sometimes guys can make things weird. I’m not the most romantic woman, so I’d much rather hang out with the girls than have a candlelit dinner on the beach.
7. I want to see the world. I’ve been many places, but there’s so much more out there I’ve yet to discover. Frankly, a relationship, especially a serious one, could hold me back. Right now, I have no significant responsibilities, especially not to a guy or kids. I’m in a perfect position to live out my dreams and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
8. It’s easier to plan trips alone. I don’t have to worry about matching schedules and finances. I’m in complete control of where I go, when I go, and how much I spend. If I were to get into a relationship, I’d face certain limitations that I’m definitely not ready for. It’s nice to be selfish right now.
9. Traveling makes me look at life differently. Experiencing other cultures gives you a new appreciation for everything. I’ve learned there are more fulfilling aspects of life beyond relationships and marriage. That’s not to say I never want to experience those things, just that I don’t feel like I’m missing out without them, especially right now.
10. I’m always planning my next adventure. I spend a significant amount of time preparing for trips and vacations. It consumes many evenings and weekends. It’s almost as if I’m addicted to finding great deals and discovering new places. If I spent half as much time focusing on my relationships, I’d likely be married by now. I’m cool with the fact that I’m not.
11. I need a guy who shares my love of exploring. Now that I’ve been bitten by the travel bug, I can’t go back to life as it used to be. My next relationship must provide opportunities for me to scratch my itch, and do it pretty often. If a guy doesn’t love to travel and doesn’t want me to do the same, he’s likely not the guy for me.