Most couples go on two or three trips a year solo or with just friends and on slightly more together, around 4-6. Almost two-thirds (61%) report that a trip reignited their romance, and 73% agree that trips are the ultimate relationship test.
What’s more, 40% feel closer to their partner after traveling together. A 2024 survey found that couples who went on trips and shared new experiences reported greater relationship satisfaction and higher levels of physical and emotional intimacy.
Being apart is inevitable
However, your partner or spouse will inevitably travel alone. At the very least, adults don’t accompany one another on business trips. It’s seen as unprofessional to bring a plus-one, with rare exceptions.
Or maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend went on a two-week hiking trip in the Himalayas, and you’re not a hiker? When there’s no response to a text, does that mean something happened to them? Are they intentionally not responding? The sender’s personality type invariably influences their explanation of the silence.
We’ll explore the Big 5 personality traits – neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience – and their effect on how the sender perceives the dreaded “being left on read.”
The silence is deafening for neurotic personality types
If you’re high in neuroticism – neurotic and prone to anxiety – the silence is nothing short of deafening. All kinds of scenarios emerge in your head: something happened, they had an accident, they met an interesting member of the opposite sex and are now cheating on you, etc.
Resist the urge to ruminate because you’ll eventually begin panicking. Look for a distraction and refrain from sending message after message.
It is jarring for extroverts
An extrovert thrives on interaction and communication, so being left on read may feel painful. They might interpret the silence as emotional distance and feel restless or anxious about the lack of engagement. They’re likely to reach out again or seek comfort through social interaction with others while waiting for a reply.
Agreeable types may feel neglected
Someone high in agreeableness may initially assume there’s a good reason for the lack of response. They’ll likely be more concerned about their partner’s well-being than their own hurt feelings. If the silence persists, they may begin to feel neglected.
Openness to experience cushions silence
These imaginative people may try to view the situation creatively or even philosophically. They might rationalize it as their partner being deeply immersed in the moment, which is admirable.
A breach of etiquette
Conscientious individuals value responsibility and respect commitments, so being left on read might feel like a breach of emotional etiquette. They may start to think they’re not being taken seriously and become resentful of their partner’s neglect. They’re likely to address it calmly but directly.
What the silence really means
If you know them well, you may find an objective reason – they’re forgetful, they’re suffering jet lag, mobile coverage is spotty, etc. Stop wondering if it’s only making you feel anxious, but don’t ignore your intuition, either.
FAQ
How long is it OK to be left on read?
Depending on the circumstances, being left on read for an hour or even several may be acceptable. It shouldn’t cause you to give up on them.
What is the longest plane trip?
The flight from JFK Airport to Singapore Changi, which covers 9,537 miles, has been the longest commercial one in the world since 2021. It takes almost 19 hours to complete, and each flight requires four pilots to operate.
Which star signs are the likeliest to worry?
Cancer worries due to its very nurturing and empathetic nature. Virgo is pragmatic and organized, but perfectionism makes them anxious. Libra faces indecisiveness in its efforts to achieve a balance, which causes anxiety.
