Moving for Love? Here’s How to Help Your Partner Adjust
A long-distance relationship is just as likely to succeed as a relationship between two people living close.
Yet more and more people become expats each year after moving to a new country to be with a partner.
If you’re preparing for a big move, you’re probably wondering: will it be worth it? Will I be happy?
The answer to both of those questions is yes. But you need to be prepared if you want to be successful. Keep reading and I’ll tell you my top tips for avoiding disaster when moving for love.
Make a Plan Before You Go
You can set yourself up for success when moving to a new country by making a foolproof plan.
One way to make a plan is to consider all your questions and concerns about moving. Interview your partner or do research on your own to create a guide of how to prepare for these questions and concerns when they arise.
An important factor to consider is your Visa. Beaurocracy is different in every country and you don’t want to wind up turning around to go home just because you can’t get a Visa.
If your long distance relationship has turned into a marriage and your spouse is a citizen of your expat country, you may qualify for a Spouse Visa. Just make sure to check into your new country’s Visa laws before you get on the plane.
Make a Home When You Get There
The best thing you can do when you’re moving to a new country is to make yourself feel at home.
Whether that means decorating your new apartment exactly how you like it or seeking out other expats from your home country, make sure you surround yourself with the familiar.
Here are some more things you can do to make yourself feel more at home after moving abroad:
- speak your native language with your partner and/or kids
- consume media from your home country
- Skype or call family and friends
Don’t go cold-turkey and try to completely assimilate on day 1 since this will cause you to experience the negative effects of culture shock. Instead, try to understand your new country and its inhabitants. Find a place in your new world or carve out a niche for yourself and you’ll be successful when moving for love.
Moving for Love: #1 Secret for Success
Honesty with yourself and with your spouse is the best-kept secret for moving abroad successfully.
Without honesty, you may start to resent your partner. This is a sure fire way to fail. Instead, try to share your feelings with your partner and encourage them to open up as well.
That way, you can build trust now and avoid a massive blow up later.
Moving for love is a test on your relationship. But it’s a test that you can pass. With these tips for moving to a new country, you can have your happily-ever-after with your partner and your new home.
Want more relationship advice to keep the love alive? Check out this blog post for tips about relationships and finance.