What a Recent Road Trip Taught Me About Relationships

As a licensed mental health therapist who works with couples, I often talk about the importance of connection. But recently, I had an eye-opening experience that taught me something new about my own relationship – and I think it’s a lesson that can apply to anyone in a partnership.

Over the holidays, my husband Andy and I took a cross-country road trip. We have a great relationship, and I usually feel connected to him. But during this trip, something was different. I felt even more connected to him, and I couldn’t help but get curious about why that was happening.

So here’s what I realized: On this vacation, we had no responsibility. It was just us, having fun together. No bills to pay or daily tasks to manage. We were free to explore new places and do new things together. And in many ways, it felt like the early days of our relationship—when we were simply enjoying each other’s company without any of the everyday burdens of life.

This insight led me to an important conclusion: Friendship and newness are key ingredients in maintaining a strong connection in any relationship. At the start of a relationship, we don’t have shared responsibilities. We’re just having fun with a friend, discovering new things together. And somehow, over time, we forget how essential that element of fun and exploration is.

To reignite that spark, we need to prioritize the friendship aspect of our relationship. It’s important to see our partner not just as the person who helps manage the logistics of daily life but as a friend and adventure buddy. Taking a break from the responsibilities—whether it’s a weekend getaway or simply trying something new—allows us to reconnect on that deeper, more joyful level.

So, while our road trip was an amazing experience, you don’t need a cross-country journey to get the same effect. A simple change of scenery or a new experience can be enough to remind us that we’re not just partners; we’re friends worthy of exploring life with.

In addition to hosting The Sean Show on B105.7, Sean Copeland is a therapist at Evolve Therapy in Greenwood, IN.