Hey Tao. Yes, it is normal, and it can be healthy if you plan it on purpose. What worked for us was treating solo trips as additions, not replacements, for couple time. Step by step, we set a simple framework up front. Each of us gets up to two solo trips a year, max 3 nights, a budget cap of $400, and driveable or direct bus so it stays cheap and low effort. We put the couple trip on the calendar first, then add solo dates 4 to 8 weeks out and drop the details in a shared note with dates, lodging, and costs.
To keep it from feeling like avoidance, we agree on check ins and a reentry ritual. We do a good morning text, a quick call after dinner, and share live location with emergency contacts, then we plan a low key date the night after we get back. A concrete example was me taking a two night hiking cabin 90 minutes away while my partner did a museum weekend in May with late dinners. Both trips came in under the cap because we packed breakfasts and used free museum hours on Friday. Since money is tight and shipping is slow, we do not buy gear for these, we borrow or rent and keep a packing list in the note so prep takes 20 minutes. If you share a place, leave your roommate a one sheet with dates, your contact, and any shared bills or chores you already covered so nothing slips. After each trip we do a 10 minute debrief on what worked, what felt off, and whether anything needs a couples conversation before the next one.
