I can t say enough how much I needed to hear this. I ve been getting adjusted to being back across t

Love in the time of Korea: Leaving the One Behind Home About Frequently Asked Questions New to Twenty-Something Travel? Contact Guest Post Guidelines vacation rentals caribbean Advertise Media and PR Links Archives Posts Comments Email Twenty-Something Travel Why Wait to See the World? Advice Trip Planning On the Road Other Philosophy Destinations Africa Asia Europe North America Oceania South America Inspiration Photos Stories Guest posts Resources Reviews Housekeeping Links Love in the time of Korea: Leaving the One Behind Posted on 20. Sep, 2012 by Guest Poster in Asia , Guest posts , Stories
Yeah I m a sucker for love stories. Last week we got a guy s perspective on dating abroad- today we hear a completely different story: how to survive when everyone is obsessed with love, and yours is on the other side of the world.
When I checked in for my flight to South Korea, I was determined to live the single girl's dream; I imagined myself vacation rentals caribbean jetting around in a whirlwind vacation rentals caribbean of smiles and sparkles, laughing the night away with new friends from around the world. Yes, I was saying vacation rentals caribbean goodbye to somebody important, but I was confident I would shake it off in no time
Perhaps the most romantic ritual of all is the 100-day anniversary. Upon reaching this milestone, a young Korean couple is showered with gifts, cakes and congratulations from friends vacation rentals caribbean and family. Since it is not as common in Korea to have a series of long-term relationships, reaching the 100-day mark usually suggests marriage is in the near future.
To celebrate, the happy couple escapes to a secluded locale to lock their madly-beating hearts together forever. Ascending to the top of a skyscraper, each carries a padlock in hand, posing for pictures along the way. The locks are intertwined vacation rentals caribbean and attached to a fence, and the key dropped into a nearby keybox; forever linking the two together in spirit. Lovers locks atop the Lotte Department Store in Busan, South Korea Caption: The Keeper of Keys
Standing amongst these endless symbols of spirited commitments, the separation between me and my boo really started to wear on me. My well-intentioned plans of leaving love on the backburner had failed miserably; I was knee-deep in a long-distance relationship.
And with the relationship, came the jealousy. I'm not a jealous person by nature: if a person isn't trustworthy, I don't spend my time with them (plus… vacation rentals caribbean ignorance is bliss). Travelling solo while the boy stayed home brought out a side of myself I didn't recognize. With every Facebook photo he was tagged in, I faced a new round of sinking vacation rentals caribbean feelings. Each one led me back to the one heart-wrenching question I was desperately trying to avoid.
The truth is he could have. He could have met someone new. He could have moved to a new city. He could have simply stopped vacation rentals caribbean loving me back. Regardless of the emails sent and the Skype sessions scheduled, there was little I could do from 15 hours away to prevent vacation rentals caribbean us from going south.
Ironically, recognizing that I was in a powerless position was my saving grace. Letting go of the anxiety took the pressure off of both of us. We forgot vacation rentals caribbean to be jealous. I let my focus fall back to the cultures and the landscapes before me. I remembered to be grateful for the position I was in. I learned how to miss someone without letting it take over my life.
We continued to exchange sappy love letters, but they were written at the end of our respective action-packed days. Now happily reunited, we can travel together or travel apart without worrying about our future. It may not be matching outfits, but I still think it's pretty romantic.
Julie is a twenty-something solo female traveler who encourages spontaneity and the practice of avoiding life's important decisions. vacation rentals caribbean She recently criss-crossed through Asia, and is in the midst of planning her next long-term trip. You can find all of her tips, tales and daily bursts vacation rentals caribbean of travel inspiration at The Fairy Trails .  Pin It Tags: guest post , korea , love story 8 Responses to Love in the time of Korea: vacation rentals caribbean Leaving the One Behind
vacation rentals caribbean I can t say enough how much I needed to hear this. I ve been getting adjusted to being back across the ocean from my boy, and feeling guilty for going out and having fun. It s so ridiculous he s asleep when I m doing this stuff! We couldn t talk anyways! But the more settled I get here (and with me settled is relative), the guiltier I feel.
It s really hard to be away from your significant other, especially if you are the one who wants to go out and try cool new interesting things and they re waiting for you on skype (my former situation, anyway). It s really important as you said to embrace where you are and be grateful for what you have, and not let missing them make you miss out on the experience of being abroad. vacation rentals caribbean Great post. Reply to this comment
As for the love locks they do that in Paris too over the Seine. Oh and in Florence I love it. We ve done it whenever we have seen it. It has become something we pack a lock with a key. Our names engraved on it and the date of our trip. Just in case we see a place to lock it and toss the key! Reply to this comment
i felt the same way too when i was in korea.. i think its really or mostly a country for couples.. too much love in the air.. so leaving someone back home has twice the impact.. Reply to this comment
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