Driven Women

Two options

Dear GG,
My husband's a trucker, and I just can't get used to him not being home. It's been two years, and it's not getting any easier. He’s not home nearly enough to be of any help around the house or with the kids, and when he is home, he’s too tired to do anything.
     Do you know how much work needs to be done around here? I can’t do it all myself. The only good thing is that there’s always money in the checking account. One of the reasons he got his license is because of how so many of you romanticized the life of a trucker. He refuses to quit. I hate it. I HATE IT! I feel like a widow or a mistress. I’m not sure which is worse.
     Amanda C., Louisiana

Amanda,
Mistress is worse. You get squat if the dude dies.
     You have two options, Amanda: acceptance or divorce. The first requires your ability to live as an independent, self-sufficient woman and be OK with having a part-time spouse. Recommendation: find a handyman. I know a number of women who are fine with their husbands being away for extended periods of time, while others wind up divorced. Remember, salespeople often travel extensively, as well, so it’s not just the trucking profession that keeps people away from home.
     As for journalists and publications romanticizing trucking, that’s a poor attempt to lay blame. From the tone of your note, my guess is that your husband saw trucking as an escape to freedom. Sink or swim, Amanda. Accept your husband’s career choice and find other resources to get help with the house and kids, or divorce.
     Cheers,
     GG

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You can e-mail Golden Girl at goldengirl@otrprotrucker.com or mail your letter to Over the Road magazine, P.O. Box 549, Roswell, GA 30077-0549.