Starting a Relationship When You’re Always Traveling: How to Make It Work as an Athlete

RIZE
Mar 28
3 min read

Updated: Sep 22

You’ve met someone you vibe with. You want to see where it goes. But your life is nonstop — tournaments, training, recovery, travel.

So the question is: How do you build something real when you’re never fully around?

The answer: be honest, be intentional, and don’t ghost. Here’s how to make it work.

Starting a Relationship When You’re Always Traveling: How to Make It Work as an Athlete

1. Be Honest About Your Life from Day One

Don’t pretend you have more time than you do.

Say it straight: “I really like spending time with you, but my schedule is crazy and I’m on the road a lot. I’d love to get to know you if you’re good with that.”

If they’re in, great. If not, better to know now.

2. Be Clear About What You Want

Casual? Serious? Open to see where it goes? Be upfront.

“I’m open to seeing where this goes, but my life isn’t super stable right now.”

Clarity cuts down on confusion.

3. Small Consistent Efforts Beat Big Gestures

You don’t need hours of texting. You do need presence.

A quick check-in before bed
A funny photo from the road
A good luck before their big day

Little things stack up.

4. Be Fully Present When You’re Around

Even if you’re tired, make the time count.

Coffee, a walk, a movie without distractions. You may not have quantity of time, but you can give quality.

5. Don’t Disappear When You’re Tired

Some days you won’t have energy to talk. Say that.

“I’m wiped from travel and practice, but I’m thinking of you. Can we catch up tomorrow?”

Honesty beats silence.

6. Ask About Their Life Too

Don’t make every conversation about your schedule. Show interest in their world.

“How was your day? What’s been going on with you?”

Relationships go both ways.

7. Involve Them in Small Ways

Even from a distance, let them feel included.

Share a photo from where you are
Talk about a win or a tough game
Send the music you’re listening to on the road

Bring them into your journey.

8. Talk About the Hard Stuff

Jealousy. Distance. Uncertainty. It comes with the lifestyle.

Say it out loud: “I know my schedule makes this harder. If you ever feel unsure, let’s talk about it.”

Being real makes you closer.

9. Don’t Promise What You Can’t Deliver

Don’t say you’ll call if you know you’ll be dead tired. Don’t say you’ll be there if you’re not sure.

“I want to see you, but let me check my schedule first.”

Trust comes from keeping it real.

10. Keep Checking In

Distance makes things tougher, so check the pulse.

“How are you feeling about this? Is there anything I can do to make this easier?”

If it’s going to last, both sides need to feel good.

11. Know When It’s Not Working

Not everyone can handle dating someone always on the move. That’s okay.

“I care about you, but I know this isn’t easy. If it’s not working, I respect that. I want you to be happy.”

Better to end it clean than drag it out.

12. Final Word

You can build something real, even with a crazy schedule. The key is honesty, effort, and respect. Both people need to know what they’re signing up for — and be willing to work at it.