Working Abroad

[ThisFirmFox]

My friends husband is planning on taking a job that involves him working away a lot. They have moved abroad but we will video call on the regular. I am really worried she is goin to be basically isolated in a foreign country while he swans off doing work and god knows what. He is an absolute charmer but to the point it seems to good to be true. He was a real ladies man back in the day and I just feel in my bones he’s going to use this as an opportunity to play away. She’s not happy about it but is in to be supportive of his career as he is supporting them financially for the most part but he will be away for 2-3 weeks a a time as it’s international. The fact that she is unhappy and he’s still wanting to go is an issue for me. Especially as she’s on her own abroad a sill hasn’t built her village. Seems
selfish to me.
I want to tell her my concerns but I’m not sure how! Any thoughts?

Is it a really good friend? As I probably wouldn't say anything unless it was a close friend. I think the main issue is like you say building a village - I'm not too familiar with expat life and I imagine it varies between countries but can she get on with getting involved with things locally even though he is away? Because whether he is there or not that will support her wellbeing. Even if he was there and working full time; she would be on her own a substantial amount of time anyway.

In terms of playing away, I think you just need to ascertain first of all whether that is a worry for her. That's a really tricky one unless you're really close. I have a close friend who I'd have no issue asking directly and tactfully e.g. are you worried about them being away and spending so much time away from home? Follow up with q's etc.

I'd be really careful about revealing your own thoughts as the last thing I think someone needs when they are miles away is to have a seed of doubt planted and left to fester.

Be a friend. Ask her how she feels. What her plans are what she gets there. What are her concerns. Let her lead the conversation. Just be a listener and a supportive friend.
But this is on her to navigate the best way forward.