How to Cope when Your Partner Works Hundreds of Miles from Home
Did financial circumstances force your partner to take a job so far away that they can only come home on weekends? Make the best of a difficult situation with these coping tips.
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You Will Need
- Honesty
- Communication
- Inner strength
- Low-key weekends
- Couple time
Steps
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Step 1
Talk to your children
Explain why your partner took a job miles from home so that your children don't worry that mom and dad are getting divorced. Be matter-of-fact about the reason for the weekday separation without making the children fret about family finances.
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Step 2
Take advantage of technology
Use technology to help your spouse feel connected to the family: e-mail or post photos of funny or interesting moments as they happen.
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Invest in a webcam so the family can enjoy video chats.
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Step 3
Don't cause unnecessary worry
Don't cause the absentee partner unnecessary worry. If a problem comes up midweek that they can't do anything about, keep it to yourself.
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Step 4
Keep weekends low-key
Keep most weekends low-key. Though the inclination may be to make the most of those 2 days by cramming in a lot of activities, you'll both benefit most from down time.
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Step 5
Switch things up
Find someone to watch the children every couple of months so you can make the trek. It not only gives your spouse a much-needed break from their killer commute, but provides you both with some quality couple time.
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3.5 million Americans have "extreme commutes" of 90 or more minutes every day, according to a 2008 Census Bureau study.
