DEAR HARRIETTE: I grew up traveling a lot. I have lived in four countries and have visited over 25 countries. I love to travel and would consider it one of my passions.
My wife, on other hand, grew up in a very different setting. Her family rarely took vacations, and if they did, it was to Florida. She is now 31 and has still never left the U.S.
I always try to convince my wife to join me on my business trips when I go overseas, but she is uncomfortable leaving our home. Do you think this trait is something that can change, or will she be like this our entire marriage? -- Travel Bug, Canton, Ohio
DEAR TRAVEL BUG: Something for you to contemplate is that you selected a wife who had an opposite experience to yours. What about her was and is attractive to you? Part of it must be how grounded she is. You are going to have to accept that her sense of adventure is different from yours. That said, you can introduce her to more of the world, but you may want to start in the United States. Schedule short trips to various landmark destinations that will open her eyes -- and yours -- to the wonders of this country. Let her get her feet wet, so to speak, on American soil. This may intrigue her enough to want to go overseas with you.
She will never likely be ready to travel in the way you prefer. That means that either your international travel days are over, or you travel solo or with a buddy when you feel the need to take a trip.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)