I feel fortunate. I have a husband of over a decade and a girlfriend I’ve been dating for 8 months now. But I find it hard to transition from the end of my dates with my gf to go back to my real life. Because of our busy lives we really only get quality time every two weeks, and it only includes one sleepover. With this set up - the separate, intentional time away from friends or community - it really feels like an oasis to the side, which can be great. But there’s a big but with that.

I accept and choose the terms & conditions of our relationship, but I experience a sadness at the end of our time together and struggle to get back to my “normal” life. It takes me days to shake. It feels like a bad cycle and I feel like it makes her feel guilty that she can’t offer me more time.

Are there any ways you help yourself with this transition? What can I do to feel more grateful for our time & not feel sad that it’s over and I have to wait weeks until our next time together? Is it just a case of sucking it up and waiting for those days to pass (because they always do?)