A trucker’s time away from home varies depending on the freight hauling position or whether they decide to purchase a Class 8 rig and become an owner-operator. Companies that hire OTR truckers typically expect CDL holders to run loads for 2-3 weeks at a time. By contrast, regional drivers generally spend less than one week away from their intimate partners.
Time and distance can strain relationships and make the truck driving life emotionally tricky. But for every challenge, there are solutions that can turn what seems like a negative into a positive. These are strategies truckers and their significant others can employ to maximize their long-distance love connection.
1: Balance Your Communication
Being apart while truckers keep America’s supply chains open can lead to worry. Driving across the country with eyes on the road and thoughts about missing a loved one sometimes results in overcompensation. Texting, emailing, or calling during consecutive hours-of-service breaks can prove disruptive over time.
The person back home may have a job to hold down, errands to run, and family responsibilities. While well-meaning, too many electronic communications can overwhelm your partner. Consider leaving the option to call you anytime the need arises open. For the trucker’s part, set reasonable communication times that coincide with your significant other’s downtime. Quality communication is generally better than quantity.
2: Discuss Balanced Personal Independence
Part of a healthy relationship involves a sense of self-worth. When a CDL professional is on the road, the person back home is tasked with handling their own affairs and family duties. Talking about personal independence can help overcome feelings of abandonment.
Healthy discussions about the necessity for time alone and abilities to function independently can lead to a more robust relationship. Rather than feel like a person desperately “needs” the other, you can both appreciate how life is better together in the framework of balanced independence.
3: Casually Hang Out Together While Apart
Great relationships often involve solid friendships as a core value. Part of that friendship comes from being able to leisurely spend time together with overlapping interests. Some of these items might be manageable from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Using today’s video-conferencing technology allows couples and families to engage in activities such as playing cards, board games, and even watching movies remotely. These and other activities invite casual conversation and laughter that make people feel like they’re at home.
It’s important for people to miss each other, and the truck driving lifestyle ensures you won’t feel suffocated. Coming home for stints between hauling loads also presents an opportunity to make time together particularly special. Truckers would be well-served to show love and affection by making romantic gestures when you return.
Sources: getlasting.com, lifehack.org, lenduboistrucking.com
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