So you’re taking a vacation with your boyfriend of a few months, who has put the burden of decision-making squarely on your shoulders. You’re not totally connecting on an emotional level yet, but you have committed to ushering this large manchild about for a few days, even though you’re not really sure if this whole thing is going to “work.” Check out these romantic getaways sure to test the functionality of your relationship as you try to force an attachment that isn’t really there yet.
The Grand Canyon
Rent an RV and check out the jaw-dropping natural wonder of the world you have to see to believe. This remarkable sight will remind you how vast the Earth is and how alone you really are while standing next to the person you’ve shared mostly meaningless moments with. Yell into the gorge and hear the echo of your voice grow fainter and fainter like your former commitment to “being single for awhile.”
Thailand
Go backpacking from island to island and take pictures riding an elephant with sadness in her eyes. You’ll both need to get up-to-date on your vaccinations, but that won’t stop him from eating bushmeat from a beach stand and exploding with diarrhea back at the hotel room as though the thought of mediocre sex with you never crossed his mind. Take some time to yourself and go to a Buddhist temple to see if you can connect with something; anything at all.
Paris
Ah yes, the City of Half-baked Love! Paris is a proverbial treasure trove of artistic achievement so idealized that people flock there for the sole purpose of getting engaged too soon. He won’t propose, though, because he still hasn’t bothered to remember exactly what it is you do for a living.
Maui
Try your hand at surfing to distract you from the fact that you two didn’t exchange a single word on the 12-hour flight.
Cancun
Spring break! The nightlife here is just what you need to drown out the premature staleness of your relationship. Look out at the sea of drunk coeds and take comfort in the mass normalization of emotionless hookups. That will be you someday soon!
Going on your first trip as a pair is stressful. Find out if your union has anything worth testing by throwing yourselves into a totally new setting with little to no preparation. Who knows, maybe you two will find something you have in common!
