Not married? Tread carefully on international travel

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/07/2025 (408 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My girlfriend and I are in love, living together — a deeply committed couple who’d like to go travelling. She wants to quickly get married before we do that, “because of less trouble crossing borders.” I think that’s NOT a very romantic reason for getting married!

Now she’s upset and questioning why she’s even “just living” with me! I don’t know what to say. I just don’t want to get married unromantically, for travel’s sake. It’s a feeling deep in my gut. What do you think? — Romantic Canadian Guy, Winnipeg

Dear Romantic Canuck: There are cracks growing in your relationship right now as expressed by your girlfriend, who’s questioning why you’re “just living together.”

Could you do some Canadian exploration together for now, and test out how you travel longer-term as a couple — and then decide on marriage, before you consider leaving the safety of this modern country?

The world has seriously changed for travellers recently and it would no doubt be much safer for you two to be a legally married pair, for travel outside of Canada — your modern home country.

Having said that, your “not wanting to get married unromantically” is a personally valid reason for YOU to stay unmarried.

So, for now, why not travel the length and breath of Canada as an unmarried but committed couple — feeling politically safe. You can consider marriage, if it builds up to your both wanting that.

Then you’ll both be safer travelling far and wide.

Not every country approves or respects unmarried couples and that can make for dicey situations.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My new girlfriend of two months just changed her fragrance to one my ex-wife wore when I was with her. It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. Sexy perfume can take me back in time. I can’t stop thinking about my ex -wife now … In fact, my new lady caught me calling my ex-wife on the phone “to just say hello again.”

We immediately had a row over that. I told her seriously last night she’d just have to stop wearing that perfume from my past. She said, “I love it, and I’m going to keep wearing it!” And I said, ” That’s dangerous, because it brings back memories of my ex to me.” We’re at a standoff. — Am I Over-Reacting? East Kildonan

Dear Am I?: No, you’re just honestly expressing your confusing sensual situation and feelings.

Most women would change things up in the perfume department for a new relationship if it reminded their new man of his ex-partner. But it doesn’t seem like this new lady cares that deeply about you. Maybe it’s time to say … “NEXT!”

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I went swimming with an older guy on a cabin party weekend — not my boyfriend, just a new guy I’d met. I noticed he left his T-shirt on in the water, when the sun wasn’t even around. Then yesterday it was a smoky day again, and he had it off, and I noticed scars on his back — not like acne. They were like stripes. I was shocked! I wondered if he’d been abused, but I didn’t have the nerve to ask.

Did I do the right thing, or would he be wondering why I didn’t ask, so he could just get the explanation over with? — Curious Lady, West Kildonan

Dear Curious: You gave this man the choice to bring it up or let it go. He may have watched to see if you were noticing after he took off his shirt. The best time for you to bring it up, would be if you two started getting close — certainly more than new lake party friends. Wait until he mentions it, to make it entirely his choice.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach&hotmail.com or write Miss Lonelyhearts at the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg MB R2X 3B6

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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