For a lot of drivers, leaving for work means also means leaving families and loved ones at home for a long period of time. This can put strain on even the healthiest relationships. It’s important to find ways to keep your relationships strong while you’re away and to work as a team, so that you can rest assured you’re returning to happiness and comfort after a long trip.
Here are some great ways to keep your relationships healthy while you’re out on the road.
Always communicate
Whether it’s just a quick phone call, text, or email – stay in contact whenever you can. This doesn’t mean a constant overload (you still have a job to do, after all), but just touching base to tell someone you’re thinking about them, or how you’re feeling at the moment can really go a long way. Carving out time can be difficult at first, but having an open line of communication can really build strength and trust.
Work as a team
Your partner and family know you have a hard job to do. But it’s important to remember that they are holding down the fort while you’re away too. Talk to each other and figure out solutions to problems together. You may not be there physically, but being on the other end of the line to lend a helping hand or verbal support will show that you’re still there for them.
Make routines special
Do you always tell your kids a story before they go to bed? Do you always try to be home for your partner’s birthday? It’s important to keep these routines, and make the extra effort to make them special. Tell your kid’s bedtime story over speakerphone, or via Facetime or Skype. If you have to be away on work this year, don’t just call on your partner’s birthday. Make it special by sending a card and some flowers, or a gift from your travels. Going the extra mile to be thoughtful will make your bonds stronger.
Keep a schedule
If you have trouble remembering birthdays, anniversaries, or even just to call, set up a schedule. You can easily create a Google Calendar to share with your spouse – they can add dates for you to remember, and you can follow-up accordingly. If you have trouble calling, set up days to keep a routine. For example, designate Tuesdays and Thursdays as the days of the week you know to touch base and check-in with your family.
Keeping a strong relationship with your family or spouse doesn’t have to take a lot of extra work. If both parties make the effort to keep in contact and follow these steps, having a long-lasting and healthy bond with each other will become second nature.
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