Austin, a 39-year-old freelancer from Cardiff, is in a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend Laura from Tennessee. They have been together since February 2024 and are planning to get married within the next six months to make it easier for Laura to secure a visa to move to the UK. Despite their physical distance, when they are together, they have sex at least three times a week. However, Austin finds himself losing interest in sex at times, especially when he is feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed.
The stress of immigration and legal issues surrounding Laura’s visa has put their relationship on fast-forward, impacting their intimacy. Austin struggles with feelings of guilt when he loses interest in sex and intimacy, even though Laura is always ready for it. The constant conversations about visas, lawyers, finance, and housing have made their relationship feel clinical and have taken away some of the initial magic for Austin.
Throughout the week, Austin reflects on his sex life and relationship with Laura. From their passionate reunion in Italy after a month apart to tense moments at the airport and discussions about Laura’s housing situation, Austin experiences a range of emotions that affect his libido. He opens up to Laura about his feelings and they work through their issues, finding moments of connection and intimacy amidst the chaos.
Despite the ups and downs, Austin and Laura find ways to boost their sex drive and reconnect. From playful moments in the morning to romantic gestures like a handwritten card listing all the reasons they are together, they navigate the challenges of their relationship with honesty and understanding. They find moments of passion and intimacy, even in the midst of visa discussions and everyday stress.
As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, Austin and Laura continue to support each other through their ups and downs. They communicate openly about their feelings and find ways to prioritize their connection amidst the challenges they face. With their commitment to each other and their willingness to work through issues together, Austin and Laura are determined to make their relationship last, one day at a time.