Why Learning English is a Long-Term Relationship

Many students describe their relationship with English as a love-hate one. They know it’s good for them, and sometimes they even have fun, but they just can’t fully commit. Despite turning up to every class every week, real progress still feels out of reach.

That’s because English isn’t a fling, and treating it like a situationship never ends well.

In honour of Valentine’s Day, here are six reasons why learning English is more of a long-term love—and how to get over your commitment issues 💖

There’s a Honeymoon Phase 🌴

Like all good relationships, language learning starts with a honeymoon phase: you’ve just bought a shiny new set of highlighters, you have a plan, and motivation is high. You can’t stop daydreaming about people watching in awe as you flex your English fluency with native speakers.

The problem with the honeymoon phase, though, is that it can’t last forever. Suddenly, you find yourself staring into the distance, wondering where all the romance went—or maybe, you faced your first (subject-verb) disagreement, and now you think it’s all over.

But at the end of the honeymoon phase comes an even better one: where you learn, grow, and finally understand your partner’s irregular verb forms—as much as they might drive you mad. Keep going, and you’ll learn to love the process just as much as the end goal.

Communication Beats Perfection 💬

Sure, grammar is important. But no lasting relationship has ever survived on perfection alone, and English is no different. If you wait until every sentence is flawless, you’ll never say anything at all.

Lasting relationships are built on communication. You don’t need perfect English; you need usable English. Awkward sentences lead to conversations, conversations lead to feedback, and feedback is how you actually improve. Silence might feel safe, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.

Think of mistakes as first dates. Weird and uncomfortable? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.

Consistency Matters 🎯

Learning English might sometimes feel like a whirlwind romance, but steady, small gestures matter way more than intensity and drama.

Turning up a little every day is much more effective than one intense all-nighter followed by weeks of silence. Without consistency, you end up in an on-again, off-again relationship that never makes it past the first hurdle.

In short: don’t love-bomb then ghost your English practice.

It Takes Effort (But Gets Easier) 🧠

Like any relationship, learning (and especially mastering) English takes time and effort. Whether you’re struggling with the subjunctive or finding it difficult to follow conversations, you might sometimes wonder if you’re even compatible.

But don’t break up yet. One day, you’ll look back with fondness at all the steps you took to get here—your first conversation, first movie without subtitles, first completed novel, first job abroad—and realise how far you’ve come.

You Need Time Alone🔋

Yes, really. Don’t ignore your friends.

Healthy relationships need space, especially for the long haul, and so does language learning. You don’t need to spend every living breath glued to a grammar book or binge-watching Bridgerton without the subtitles to make progress.

Instead, it’s important to schedule time away from English to avoid burnout—then come back more in love with the language than ever.

You Travel and Grow Together 🌍

Solo travel is great, but trips can be even better with a little company. Especially when that company can book taxis, order dinner, and help you make friends.

While English isn’t spoken everywhere, it’s still a commonly used language in 88 countries and the most spoken language in the world. That’s a lot of opportunities.

Proof that English isn’t just a holiday romance; it’s a lifelong travel companion.

Ready to Commit for the Long Term?

Study English Abroad with Twin 💜

Delete the apps and make English your Valentine this year. An English course abroad gives you expert guidance, full cultural immersion, and the confidence to continue your English journey long after classes end.

Explore our range of flexible courses in London, Eastbourne, and Dublin.