You’ve probably heard it said that road trips are the ultimate test of a relationship.
This isn’t a new concept.
In fact, it’s a concept that’s been around for a long time.
SmarterTravel.com says it like this:
“Psychologists have said the best way to test your compatibility with someone is to take a trip with them, and the U.S. Travel Association has found that traveling couples are typically happier and have more sex than non-traveling couples.”
But why do people say it?
And is it true?
Well, the simple answer is that yes, there’s a lot of truth to this sentiment.
And in this article, you’re going to learn a few reasons for why this may be the case.
Let’s dive in and get started.
1. Road Trips Force You To Spend Time Together
When you go on a road trip with your significant other, the two of you will be forced to spend an unprecedented amount of time in very close proximity to one another.
When you’re both traveling in close quarters, and there’s no escaping from one another for extra space, you get an extra dose of the ‘real’ and ‘raw’ as it pertains to that person’s personality.
This may be good or bad—depending on how good of a match you end up being in the long run.
2. Road Trips Force You To Work Together
Traveling together requires a coordinated, cooperative effort.
In other words, you need to work together in order to make the trip work.
For some couples, this ends up bringing them closer together and helping them to cultivate a certain feeling of ‘camaraderie’ that actually strengthens their bond and helps to make the relationship better.
But for some couples, trying to establish this cooperative mindset is almost like pulling teeth.
It’s annoying, irritating, frustrating, and for some—downright painful.
3. Road Trips Require You To Overcome Challenges Together
Another thing about road trips (and travel in general) is that they’re going to force you to overcome challenges, make plans, and deploy solutions.
This can be a stressful ordeal to go through, especially if you’re already stressed out and/or prone to anxiety.
Traveling is fantastic for your health and wellness.
However, it’s also certain to lead you into situations where you’ll have to solve unexpected challenges.
For a couple whose relationship is already on unsteady ground, this can serve as an absolute deal-breaking scenario.
By contrast, for couples who are already cultivating a decent dose of relational strength, this can be an exercise in togetherness, cooperation, and exploring the traits and qualities that make them better suited to one another.
Conclusion
As it turns out, taking a road trip together is most definitely a foolproof relationship litmus test.
If you really want to find out if you and your partner are compatible and function well together, then you may want to schedule a road trip for exactly this purpose.
Good luck out there, and stay safe!
