Long-distance trucking is financially rewarding and a great way to see our nation, but it does require drivers to be away from home for long periods of time. This can cause a strain on relationships. That is not to say that maintaining a relationship is impossible, it just takes a little hard work sometimes.No matter what you might hear from others, trucker relationships are challenging. A trucker and her husband or his wife will face difficult issues that they need to work through. These are problems that few other couples understand as they are unique to truckers. Big truck Hoods, your source for aftermarket truck bumpers, offers tips for surviving the hardships of long-distance trucker relationships. Communication is Key We recommend that you set aside a certain time every day or evening to call home. It is important to maintain a talking relationship while you are on the road. The one thing you want to avoid is to bring up issues with your spouse while you are on the road. You need to wait until you get home and can discuss the problem face-to-face. Quality Time Things just aren’t going to work out if you choose to crash on the couch and stare incessantly at the television upon getting home from a long road trip. Vegging out in front of the television might be acceptable for people who see their spouses every day of the week, but truckers need to prioritize.You see, your spouse will definitely want to spend time with you upon your return for a long trip. And you can bet that binge-watching Netflix is not what they have in mind. Since you don’t spend a ton of time at home, the things you and your spouse do together should be special, if not plain amazing. A better idea is to take them out for a quiet dinner so you two can have a good talk about everything going on in your lives. Use Technology Smartphones are amazing instruments as they can do so many things. While you are out on the road, use technology to keep in touch with loved ones at home. In addition to calling and talking with them, you can chat with them, email them and even video conference with them.This technology allows you to be with your family even when you are on the road. For example, you can use Skype or another video app to read your children a bedtime story. You can even eat dinner together or play a board game with video apps. Keep a Schedule The best way to maintain a good balance at home is to keep a schedule. If you are always up at 6 a.m. when on the road, try your best to keep that schedule when you are at home. This holds true for meals as well, always plan on eating at the same time every day.If your rig isn’t looking as sharp as it once did, a new hood or bumper could help. Visit Big Truck Hoods and get a great deal on a truck hood or bumper.