It's understandable that you value quality time in your relationship, and it can be challenging when your partner's preferences differ from yours. To address this situation and make your relationship work, consider the following steps:
Communicate your feelings: It's crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your girlfriend about how you feel. Express your love for her and your desire to spend more quality time together. Share why spending time together is essential for you and how it helps you feel connected and loved.
Understand her perspective: Take the time to listen and understand her perspective as well. Ask her about her feelings and reasons for not prioritizing quality time. Respect her feelings and try to see things from her point of view.
Find a compromise: Relationships often require compromise. Discuss ways to strike a balance between your need for quality time and her need for personal space or independence. Perhaps you can agree on specific days or times when you will spend time together, or find activities that interest both of you.
Plan ahead: Since your girlfriend is about to go on a one-month trip, plan ahead for how you both can stay connected during that time. Technology offers various means of communication, such as video calls or messaging apps. Keeping in touch during her trip can help maintain the emotional bond between you.
Focus on self-growth: While she is away, take the opportunity to focus on personal growth, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family. This can help you feel more fulfilled during the time you are not together.
Trust and patience: Trust is essential in any relationship. Trust that she cares for you, even if she has a different way of expressing it. Patience is also key; changes in a relationship can take time and effort from both partners.
Reevaluate the relationship: If, after trying to communicate and find a compromise, you find that your needs for quality time are continuously unmet and it causes significant distress, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. Consider if the two of you are fundamentally compatible in terms of your emotional needs and priorities.
Remember that relationships require effort from both partners to succeed. It's essential to maintain open communication, be understanding, and work together to find common ground. If you find it difficult to resolve these differences on your own, couples counseling can provide a safe space to address these issues with the guidance of a professional therapist.