Originally Posted by
FlyBalletGuy
I can think of plenty of coupled and partnered folks on the forum, but there's a healthy quotient of single people as well.
I'm single by inclination, habit and, at this point, preference. About 8-9 years ago I realized I had always been more interested in what I was doing than who I was with. So I'm content to focus on that and stay single. Frequent travel can be a byproduct of a demanding job, both are factors that could keep a guy out of a relationship.
How has your affection for travel (and/or your career) factored into your relationships?
Travel is the current white elephant for myself and my better half of over 4 years. When we were both working 2 jobs, it was different. Travel was to get away and my relaxation technique... now that I've given up (for the most part) the 2nd job so that I can fly around the country with him (or alone) it's changed. Now it's one of the perks to being with me (First class, lounges, fancy hotels etc...) but also one of the downsides.
I'm lucky that we live in suburban hell though so we HAVE TO get out of here.... if we were in a city we loved SF, SAN, SEA I highly doubt the travel would even be 1x/month...
Originally Posted by
DLNYC
My travel has really picked up as of late. Certain friendships have taken a hit, but I find that, for the most part, traveling helps you weed out the true friends from the masses. I've noticed that I've become a bit "old" when I am in New York. I go out to dinners and what not, but I have very little desire to explore the scene these days. Then again, the NYC scene is pretty non-existent.
I know that feeling. However, I would say that I've gained far more friends from FT/Traveling than I lost. Heck, just last weekend I met some interesting people in NYC and the weekend before, a spitting image of myself in SEA.
Originally Posted by
DLNYC
Ironically, I've recently entered the first serious relationship of my life. He likes to travel, and I think he is generally amused at my enthusiasm for flying. Before we met, he had never sat in a premium cabin (can you believe I dated him?
). His last three flight have been in BizElite and F. Needless to say, he is determined to make Silver Medallion (he didn't start flying with me until Memorial Day) and scoffs when his friends mention travel on B6. I've managed to create a monster in under three months. Go me.
Spoiling the BF is always nice but be careful about creating a monster.... Once you hit DM (or if you hit DM) gifting the GM status is a major +. That's why the BF has been sitting up front so often recently... and now gripes about crAApy service on other AAirlines.
Originally Posted by
DLNYC
With all these companion trips, I'm starting to miss my solo travels. Maybe I'm just one of those FFers (cough) who is meant to be alone (I always assumed this to be the case. I didn't start questioning until a few months ago). Maybe I'm not. Only time will tell.
Me too, me too. So I'm bringing 'em back. A few trips alone in Sept & Oct will (hopefully) remind me why I like traveling with others....
Originally Posted by
meFIRST
It becomes more complicated when the other person, flies a different airline, stays at a different hotel chain than you do and then the whole relationship game of negotiation and comprimise that becomes quite comical, if not serious.
On the other hand, I know someone who had buddies in various cities (hubs for his airline). Then then layover becomes an "escape" the kind that Alex was looking for in Up in the Air.
It all depends what you are looking for. My father's advice - "Do what makes you happy"
I'm not sure that I could handle the other airline part... Hotels yes but airlines no.
Originally Posted by
kenpasadena
This thread reminds me of a gay "Up In the Air." My ex would be content flying back and forth to Europe to keep up his AA Exec. Platinum Card - even if it's for the weekend. I'm more interested in the destination (and spending more than a few days there) than the few hours it takes to get there.
I'm in the same boat, I don't mind flying to Europe Friday night and returning Sunday. The BF isn't as interested in that.
Originally Posted by
DLNYC
Funny. I'd say living an isolated "middle-America" existence tends to unfavorably color one's perception of the world.
Bottom line: Our environment affects our perception, both positively and negatively. Temporarily getting out of that environment, whether it be New York or Wyoming, is important for everyone.
VERY true.
Originally Posted by
fwfdan
So back on-topic "How has your affection for travel (and/or your career) factored into your relationships?" - It became one with the relationship... whether it was the Great Wall, Provence, Italy, Paris, London, Canada (thanks for letting us get married!), or any of the "let’s get away" trips, travel is integral to how we exist together
Travel allows for that little escape from reality to a world where the mortgage, kids (ok dogs for me), house & responsibilities don't look as big.