Navigating Work Travel While Married: Tips For Success

Traveling for work can put a strain on a marriage, with couples facing difficulties such as a lack of quality time, expressing love over distances, and staying connected across time zones. It is important to find ways to prioritize the relationship daily and let your spouse know they are in your thoughts. Open and honest communication is key, with couples encouraged to set check-in times, create guidelines, and express love through thoughtful gestures, messages, and date nights. Self-care is also vital, with both traveling and non-traveling spouses needing to take care of themselves and stay connected to their support networks. Trust is essential, and it is important to be supportive of each other's needs and feelings. By staying connected, being flexible, and making the most of time together, couples can strengthen their marriage despite the challenges of work-related travel.

Set check-in times

Before the travelling partner leaves, sit down together and devise a plan for the times of day you'll both be available to talk. It's important to schedule this time in your calendar and prioritise it when it happens. Even if it's just once or twice a day, make it happen. This is a key way to maintain a sense of normalcy and keep both partners involved in each other's lives.

It's all about communicating your needs and meeting halfway. If you're in different time zones, finding a time that works for both of you might be challenging, but it's not impossible. Be flexible and creative, and remember that this time is crucial for staying connected.

During these check-ins, share the details of your day and your inner life. Don't just stick to generalisations, delve into the specifics. Talk about who you met, what you talked about, what you ate, and how it made you feel. This will make the everyday come alive for your partner, even though they aren't there to witness it.

If possible, try to incorporate some fun activities into your check-in times. For example, you could cook or bake together over a video call, watch a movie together, or play online games. These shared experiences will help you feel closer and more involved in each other's lives.

It's also important to establish ground rules for communication. How often will you talk? How long can you go without communicating? Make sure you're on the same page to avoid disappointment or hurt feelings.

Additionally, be mindful of your partner's schedule and routine. Respect their time and don't try to micromanage their day. Trust that they are competent and capable of handling their responsibilities while you're away.

Finally, remember that communication is a two-way street. Make sure your partner feels heard and valued during your check-ins. Listen mindfully and be open and clear in your conversations. This will strengthen your bond and help you maintain a deep connection, even when you're apart.

Create guidelines for when you're apart

Creating guidelines for when you're apart in a marriage where one person travels for work is crucial to maintaining a healthy dynamic. Here are some detailed suggestions for establishing such guidelines:

Communication Expectations:

• Decide on the frequency and timing of check-ins: Determine how often you want to connect and at what times of the day. Be mindful of different time zones and try to find a schedule that works for both of you. Make these check-ins a priority and treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
• Utilize technology: Leverage technology to stay connected. Schedule regular video calls or phone calls to see each other's faces and share experiences. Use communication platforms that work for both of you and ensure you have the necessary tools to stay in touch.
• Share daily details: Communicate the small details of your day-to-day lives. This helps you visualize each other's experiences and stay emotionally connected. Share what you're doing, ask about your partner's meetings, and be open about your routines.
• Establish boundaries: Discuss and agree on boundaries for communication. For example, decide if you want to limit discussions to specific topics or if you're comfortable sharing all aspects of your lives. Be clear about what makes you feel comfortable and respected.

Expressions of Love:

• Send thoughtful messages: Send each other sweet messages throughout the day to express your love and let your partner know you're thinking of them.
• Leave hidden notes: Surprise your partner by leaving love notes in their luggage or hiding them around the house for them to find.
• Exchange small gifts: Occasionally send or leave thoughtful treats for each other to enjoy. This could be something as simple as their favourite snack or a small gift that reminds them of you.

Quality Time:

• Schedule virtual dates: Plan virtual date nights, especially if one partner is away for extended periods. Dress up, set the mood, and create a romantic atmosphere, even if you're miles apart.
• Watch shows or read books together: Choose a TV show or book to enjoy together. This shared experience gives you a common topic to discuss and helps you feel connected despite the distance.
• Create rituals: Develop rituals around your partner's travel. For example, help each other pack, send funny memes throughout the trip, or plan a special activity for their return.

Individual Wellbeing:

• Foster independence: Encourage each other to have individual hobbies and activities. This gives you both a sense of independence and provides new topics for conversation.
• Prioritize self-care: Ensure that both the travelling spouse and the spouse at home are taking care of themselves. This includes getting rest, exercising, and having downtime to recharge.
• Connect with others: Surround yourself with loved ones. Spend time with family and friends to create a strong support system and maintain a sense of community.

Remember, the key to successful guidelines is open and honest communication. Discuss your needs, preferences, and boundaries, and be willing to adapt and compromise as you navigate this dynamic together.

Find ways to express love

Travelling for work can put a strain on your marriage, but there are many ways to express love and stay connected with your spouse while you are apart.

• Send random text messages throughout the day to let your spouse know you are thinking of them.
• Leave love messages on sticky notes for your spouse to find. For example, you could stick a romantic note on your spouse's car window or in their luggage.
• Surprise your spouse with small gifts. It doesn't have to be anything expensive—even a candy bar, a single rose, or a cute flash drive can be a thoughtful way to show you care.
• Send love letters or long romantic emails. Writing a love letter or email gives you a chance to pour out your feelings and express your love eloquently.
• Create rituals around your spouse's travel. For example, you could help pack their suitcase and leave little love notes for them to find.
• Stay connected through technology. FaceTime, Skype, or other video call apps can help you feel connected and fuel the bond between you, even when you are physically far apart.
• Maintain a routine of self-care practices such as meditation or yoga to help you feel grounded and calm while your spouse is away.
• Express your love through physical intimacy. Intimacy is a powerful way to express love and can help you feel more connected to your spouse.
• Spend quality time together before your spouse leaves. Share a special meal, put away your phones for a romantic date night, or simply enjoy a quiet breakfast together before they depart.
• Protect your time together. It may seem silly, but scheduling time with your spouse can help ensure that you make the most of the time you have together. Plan special dates, go on a weekend getaway, or just enjoy some quality time at home.

Schedule date nights

Date nights are a great way to reconnect with your partner and keep your relationship a priority. If one partner is travelling for work, it's important to schedule dedicated time to spend together when they are home. This can help create a sense of unity and bonding, strengthening your marriage.

Plan Ahead:

Before the travelling partner leaves, sit down together and discuss your schedules. Find a time that works for both of you and mark it on your calendars. Treat this time as a commitment and prioritize it. If possible, plan something fun and exciting that you don't usually get to do together. This will help create a sense of excitement and give you both something to look forward to.

Be Flexible:

Recognize that the travelling partner may have jet lag or be exhausted from their trip. Be flexible with the timing of the date night and allow them some time to rest and recuperate if needed. You can also offer to help with any household chores or tasks that they may have fallen behind on while they were away.

Make it Special:

Date nights are about reconnecting and creating meaningful memories together. Make the most of your time together by turning off the TV and putting away distractions. Focus on each other and catch up on life. Listen to each other's thoughts and feelings, and offer support and understanding.

Express Love:

Find ways to express your love before, during, and after the trip. Leave thoughtful notes or treats for your partner to find. Send sweet messages throughout the day to let them know you're thinking of them. These simple gestures can go a long way in strengthening your connection.

Involve Your Partner in Planning:

Include your partner in the planning process, especially if they are the one travelling. This will make them feel valued and appreciated. Ask for their input on the date night activities and try to incorporate their interests and preferences. This will also help ensure that the date night is something they will enjoy and look forward to.

Be Understanding:

Recognize that the travelling partner may be dealing with the challenges of being away from home and missing important moments. Show empathy and understanding towards their situation. Communicate openly about any challenges or adjustments needed to make the time apart easier on both of you.

Prioritize Self-Care:

While scheduling date nights is important, it's also crucial to prioritize self-care for both partners. The travelling partner may need time to rest and recharge, while the non-travelling partner may benefit from spending time with friends or engaging in hobbies. Taking care of yourselves individually will ultimately benefit your relationship and help you show up as your best selves during date nights.

Prioritise the time you have together

Travelling for work can put a strain on a marriage, and it can be challenging to find a balance between business travel and family relationships. When one partner is travelling frequently, the time spent together as a couple is often limited and stressful. Here are some ways to prioritise that time and make the most of it:

Plan and schedule

Before the travelling partner leaves, sit down together and plan out when you'll be able to talk. Even if it's just once or twice a day, make sure you stick to it and prioritise that time. If you're in different time zones, this might be tricky, but it's not impossible. You could also schedule date nights, creating something to look forward to and making the most of the time you have together.

Communicate

Stay in tune with each other's needs and feelings. Listen to each other and prepare for the stress of travelling by knowing how to connect when you're apart. Be honest and open with each other about what you're comfortable with when you're apart.

Make the most of your time together

When you are both at home, turn off the TV and talk. Catch up on life and spend quality time together. Look for activities that create unity and bonding, such as praying together, or doing something fun that you don't often get to do.

Express love

Find ways to express your love for each other, before, during and after travelling. Leave thoughtful treats or notes for your partner to find, or send sweet messages during the day.

Take care of yourself

When you're alone, make the most of your time. Spend time with friends, take up a hobby, or do some sightseeing if you're in a new city. Taking care of yourself is important for your own mental and emotional health, and it also gives you more to talk about with your partner.

Reintegrate the travelling spouse

When the travelling spouse returns home, it can be difficult for them to reintegrate into family life and household management. The non-travelling spouse may be used to handling everything alone, and it can be a challenge to adjust. Give the travelling spouse time to recuperate from their journey, and work together to find a balance that suits your family.

Frequently asked questions