Long-Term Relationships: How to Sail Safe on Land and Water?

“It’s a marvelous thing, the ocean. For some reason when two people sit together looking out at it, they stop caring whether they talk or stay silent. You never get tired of watching it. And no matter how rough the waves get, you’re never bothered by the noise the water makes by the commotion of the surface – it never seems too loud, or too wild.” 

– Banana Yoshimoto 

As I was reading these words, I was reminded of the different ways in which people would often navigate their long-distance relationships. It also got me wondering about the ways in which seafarers try to maintain a sense of connection with their loved ones, during their grand adventures at sea.  

Navigating long-term relationships while on board is a seafarer’s biggest challenge. The feelings of loneliness tend to kick in at some point and may bring down even the fiercest of alphas. The isolation and vastness of the sea can sometimes make us feel physically alone but knowing that there are people who care about you and want to support you through the good and bad times, helps you stay afloat. 

A good rule of thumb is to practice communication, which acts like your ship’s compass, guiding you through calm seas and storms alike. Just as skilled sailors understand the wind and waves, listen to each other’s thoughts and feelings, and deepen your bond with every heartfelt talk. Challenges may come and go; disagreements and uncertainties are a part of the package too. Face them together and come out stronger, like a ship weathering a rough sea!  

Just as you trust your crew and equipment, build trust in your relationships through honesty, respect, and support. As the saying goes “Trust is hard to find yet easy to lose”, try and build a sense of trust in your long-distance relationships, and anchor onto them during life’s unpredictable currents. Building trust in a relationship is like building a sturdy ship – it requires time, effort, and patience. With mutual understanding and transparency, you can create a strong bond that can weather any storm.  

Yet another common feature in relationships happens to be the lack of respect and love, which dies down over time as the mundane buzz of ordinary days becomes predictable factors in our lives. Periodically review the status of your relationship by openly communicating with your partner, either via a letter or a note about how you feel, what could be improved, or anything interesting you would like to explore together. Always maintain a sense of respect in your relationships which also gives room for personal growth while cherishing your time together. 

Conflicts are common page turners in most relationships, and balance happens to be the key to helping you adjust those sails to catch the perfect breeze. Celebrate every achievement together, big or small, and keep your relationship exciting with adventures and shared interests. Learning from each other guides your journey, like exploring new territories. Stay curious about each other’s dreams and viewpoints, enriching your life together. Schedule virtual dates for easier meet and greets and most importantly, always stay in touch.  

By embracing these ideas, your relationship may become as strong as a ship, sailing towards a future filled with hopes, dreams, laughter, and love. Enjoy the journey ahead!  

P.S. – For any suggestions or possible solutions on relationships or marital conflicts reach out to our experts on the Bigyellow app today!