Nature's Romance

If you have ever had a fight with your significant other or the two of you are going through a rough patch - let's face it we all go through those - and you want to find a unique way to work together, and get your relationship back on track, getting into nature is the best way to go. Derek and I have been together for the past three years, we have worked together in many different ways, we have put our relationship to the test, and even when we fight, there are things that bring us together, and allow forgiveness. From installing carpet/tile together for a year, fixing multiple car issues together, and now surviving the elements together. The common thread between all of this is that teamwork is crucial to the success of those tasks. I won't go into flooring installations or how to change multiple car parts because neither one of those are any fun, but I will tell you how camping, hiking, and being in nature saved our relationship.

Every aspect of camping from packing the bags to finding your perfect camping spot requires an element of teamwork, patience, and communication. All of these qualities are essential to a successful relationship, and camping trip. If you have ever watched any survival show, from Dual Survivor to Naked and Afraid, the one thing that always brings people together, or tears them apart is the lack of teamwork. If Derek and I went camping, but didn't communicate or work together, it would be a total disaster. Important things would end up left at home/car, we would spend way too much time finding a spot, we would probably get lost at some point, then my goodness setting up camp alone would be miserable. Imagine trying to make fire alone, he's fumbling around for tinder and sticks trying to catch a spark, while I'm attempting to set up the large tent. In the end we would be bickering at each other, and neither goal would be accomplished.

When we learned to slow down, and work together one task at a time, everything goes smoothly, and we end up being relaxed and ready to tackle reality a few days later. The closeness we feel after hiking all day, working hard to set up everything, and finally sitting around the campfire is so magical, and nothing really compares to it. Getting away from all usual distractions, traffic, work, and the cell phone buzzing allow us to really be with each other, communicate in a way we normally don't, and work together while having the time of our lives! 

Nature has a way of bringing out the best in people, and bringing us closer to how we were really intended to live. Instead of fighting over the busy schedule, piling bills, and whatever life throws at you or your relationship, pack your bags and get into the wild for a few days. When you return you may find yourself feeling refreshed, more creative, patient, and even finding a new way of living. All of those are side effects of Nature's Romance, and will be sure to bring the spark back into your life.