But love is a many-faceted thing, and very different for everyone

In my world it just happens. Things click and off you go but it does take compromise… Maybe “compromise” is the wrong word? We had to adjust what “we” wanted to get a better fit into each others lives.

Combining two lives into a partnership in a nomadic way of living seems harder than doing it in a “normal” town type setting. I think you need both luck & the ability to compromise so you both get mostly what you want.

I realize I’m not saying anything you don’t already know, I’m just lending support because I know it can be done.

Wise words, Rob! With each experience under my belt now, I’m learning more and more what ingredients are required to make it work. And like you say, adjusting your expectations through communication about what you want – both as individuals and as a couple – is very important.

Hi Lewis, An interesting idea! I wonder if a “guide” to successfully finding love is even possible to create! Many of the challenges I face finding love on the road aren’t all that dissimilar to doing it “at home”; the problems are just compounded and often exaggerated, making it more difficult overall. I think finding love (anywhere) is mostly about knowing yourself, what you want, and being able to communicate effectively. Now…knowing, and applying knowledge are also two different things. ??

Maybe someday your experiences combined with advice fellow nomads who have found love on their traveling journey will create a guide that helps people to shortcut the process and side-step the drama that is easy to fall into when emotions and hunger take the steering wheel

The current problem with love and compatibility in our current world is that – just maybe – we have all been sold on this idea that it should always be heavy sighs, smiles, and longing gazes across rooms at one another. Seems as though every book, show, and movie revolves around this theme.

Reality bites us in the ass when that romantic partner then proves that they have human failings after all – and you do, as well. How dare we be regular people? Why aren’t our lives like in the movies we like?

That this is enough to sustain any relationship

Now, at one time, people didn’t seem to have this problem as much. In my opinion, it’s because *they worked together for a commonly-agreed upon goal.* They were a unit. A team, where each knew that they had to work at it each day to succeed, and that some days were not going to be as smooth as others – but BOTH worked together at it. They persevered.

Hey John, Indeed, I think we’re a society heavily influenced by media and movies (showing us the “perfect love”), and in combination with out instant gratification mentality (“it’s not working NOW, so it’s over”), it’s a lethal cocktail when it comes to the hard knocks of enduring the tough times in a relationship.

Way back when, when couples stayed together, it’s because they couldn’t divorce. So they worked through their problems. And if they couldn’t work through them, they still appeared married for all intents and purposes. Was their relationship actually working or satisfying on any level? Who knows. Now, we can divorce. Sometimes, for very good reason. Other times, because it’s easy.

Hey Paul, I’m sorry you can relate (because it sucks), but I’m also glad you can relate (because it means I’m not alone/crazy)! ??

Interesting read Nora. It is coincidental that I find myself in the very same position as you, (as I’m sure does many a nomadic traveler). Having just retired to a life of full time travel I sigh at the prospect of doing it alone. Friends of mine have all chimed in chorus “Ah but Steve…don’t worry….you’ll find her on the road”, to which I chuckle and shake my head. You know that I’ve traveled extensively in my life already and I know that meeting a life partner on the road is a lot easier said than done. I completely agree with you in that regard. For me compatibility rests on many issues but being a best friend to your mate is key. I also agree with you that open communication is paramount. Without it, even casual friendships can fall apart. You can work around a lot of other issues if you have a deep underlaying friendship with your partner. Regardless of where my travels take me alone, I will continue to wander, because that’s what I was born to do. I will document my travels through the lens of my camera and share those images with the world through my website. I share your angst Nora (if ‘angst’ is the correct word). Regardless, I’m still excited at this new chapter of my life and I remain optimistic that somewhere on the road is the woman who holds the other half of my amulet. “The Wandering Fireman” wanders on………….