How to you cope if your partner works abroad/travels a lot for work?

[SW1XMother]

I just moved from New York to London but my husband is still in New York for work until September. We have two children, 2 and 5 months and at the moment I feel very lonely and it is hard for me to be on my own. I start my new job in March, so staying in NYC until September was not an option.

How do you cope if your partner works abroad or travels a lot for work?

My DH is away most Mondays-Fridays and sometimes longer. It's easier for me because my DC are in their late teens so I don't need babysitters. I work four days a week, and enjoy going out with friends in the evening.

When my DC were younger, I'd invite friends to mine. Do you know anyone yet, or is that why you're lonely? When I've lived abroad with DH, I was quite forthright when I saw someone in the street/cafe/shop who had children the same age as mine, and who looked nice. I have much less confidence now, but at the time I'd say hello and see if they wanted to go for coffee. I am still close friends with two people I met like this. The other alternative is baby groups, and I'm sure you'll be spoilt for choice in London.

It is hard, but it's not for ever and you have a new job to look foward to. In the meantime.

Sorry - in the meantime, enjoy the films, TV and music that you enjoy but your DH doesn't. Be kind to yourself, and treat yourself to things that make life enjoyable.