Are You Going Away On Business?

Talking to your partner before a major trip

So you've just heard that you'll be assigned to another city or even another country for a work-related project? It is understandable that you may feel elated. After all, handling major tasks only indicates that you're stepping up the corporate ladder, and you deserve it after all the effort you've put in. nevertheless, when the initial surprise has passed, allow yourself to think of things – and people – that will be affected by your major trip. If you're living with your boyfriend/girlfriend, he/she should be one of the first you should talk to about it. Your partner has every right to know updates that concern you, especially important things like being assigned in a different place for a specific amount of time. Here are some things you can do to have a smooth sailing trip:

Share the news. As soon as you have digested this particular piece of information regarding your business trip, grab the phone and tell her about it, or cook him a special dinner and share the good news over the meal. Aside from letting your boyfriend/girlfriend know the latest happening about your work, it will also allow him/her to see that he/she is very important to you – enough that you're willing to share important news as soon as you can. Also, telling your partner about it early on will help avoid conflict in the future. Perhaps your trip coincided with an important occasion? Or you we're planning to attend a close friend's wedding before you found out you were going to be away?

Keep in touch. You may be even busier than usual with your new long-term assignment, but whatever you do, you should not forget to allot some time to keep in touch with your partner. Send her an email during lunch, or ring him after you get back to your apartment. Regular communication will go a long, long way in breaching barriers between you and your boyfriend/girlfriend. It will also show him/her that no matter you busy you are, you still make it a point to talk to him/her, and that's probably one of the best things you can do for your partner in your relationship.

Make it up. After you returned from your trip, it's a good time as any to make it up to your boyfriend/girlfriend, particularly if you've been away for several weeks, or maybe even a year. Bring home a souvenir she wants, or take a week off and spend it alone with him.

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