Advice For Being A Trucker Girlfriend??

I have started a relationship with a completely amazing guy. He's everything I've been searching for, and we really enjoy each other's company. Only problem is, he's currently OTR and hardly ever home. I'm new to all of this, and I'm having a hard time coping with his job and all that it entails. I understand why he has chosen this career, but some days are definitely harder than others. There are times I am completely fine, others not so much. I guess I'm looking for ways to get through this, at least until he goes local. I've never been in this kind of relationship before, and would like to hear from other ladies that have been through this or are currently going through it.

I was married to a trucker many years ago. Our divorce was NOT due to trucking, btw.

First, be supportive. You know this is his career from the get go.. it is what it is. Maybe he will eventually go local, but don't count on it. Most local jobs don't pay as well as OTR. Have a set time to connect via phone, skype, or whatever each day to share your successes, dreams, goals, good and bad.

A gf or wife of a trucker must be fiercely independent. Are you the type that isn't going to have a melt down when the car breaks down, the kids are sick or whatever? Is this the kind of person you are?.. or are you crazy jealous and need to know his every activity? If that's the case, reconsider. It personally didn't bother me that he was gone during the week. . Sometimes he managed to stop by the house for a meal or just coffee if he was just passing through, but we did talk every day.

if he can have a rider, schedule some time and go with him for a week or two. I always loved our time on the truck together. Tons of fun and adventure.

It's not that bad. I stayed home, took care of the kids, even had time for my girlfriends, but when he was home.. all my time revolved around him.

My boyfriend started his journey in trucking back at the start of October, and he's currently with his "mentor" right now. It's been rough not seeing him, but being supportive is definitely the number 1 thing I am doing for him right now. I think it's definitely the most important thing, just being there as a listening ear when things get rough, or when things are great and he's just bursting at the seams with stories he wants to tell me.

I also agree with Sue D., that being independent and able to take care of business without my bf is really important. It's nice to have a good support group of friends and loved ones who can listen to ME when I need to vent about not being able to help him out with something he's struggling with, or see him at that moment, etc.

We have the added benefit of having started our relationship out when we first met long distance, him in Florida and me in KY, so that bit of experience has helped us both cope with the idea of him not being home with me all the time. It's still rough, but talking on the phone when he can, or even just messaging me online, keeps us in touch and in the know of what's going on with each other.

I'm also blessed with having a job that understands that when he's home, I can switch things around in my schedule to also be home with him. He hasn't been home since earlier this month due to his training with his company, but I at least can rest assured in the knowledge I will get to see him when he is, and not miss out on any of that. I know that isn't always possible, I'm just extremely fortunate in that respect.

I cannot wait to eventually be able to ride with him and have tons of adventures on the open road.

Hang in there! If you ever need an ear, I'd definitely be more than happy to listen!

Best wishes and happy Thanksgiving!

Like Sue said, it would be great if you could ride along, even for a short trip. It could give you some insight as to what he does every day, and you would better understand what he's talking about when he's got stories to tell! It's tough when the only folks who "get" what we're talking about are other truckers.

From my experience, I would suggest allowing him to chill at home when he's off duty, if that's what he chooses to do. We move, move, move all the time, and I find it's a real treat to just stay in one place for awhile. Also, when we DO go anywhere, I prefer to let my husband drive, even if we take my car, because it's nice to ride and watch the scenery go by for a change!