Are You Fulltime Compatible?
As new ones dream of the fulltime lifestyle, there are plenty of things they wonder about: Finances, communications, bill paying–the list goes on. One little “item” that’s often forgotten, however, is whether you and your ’significant other’ will find happiness together on the road.
The RV lifestyle, particularly the fulltime lifestyle, has its own blessings–and curses.
Imagine sinking a huge amount of money into that perfect fulltiming rig, liquidating the “stix and brix” house, heading out on the road, and within a few weeks find you drive each other to distraction. Some have done so. So before you set off on a fulltime adventure, it’s best to sit down and take stock on a personal level.
Why do you want to fulltime–both of you? Is one really interested in the fulltime lifestyle, and the other just humoring the partner? You may want to see the country, but howdo you want to see it? In a relaxed, “If we like it here we’ll stay for a few weeks,” or does one want to do a “If this is Tuesday, this must be Cheboygan” method? Does he like snow country travel, while she would rather bask on a Florida beach?
Frank, open discussions are something every couple needs to undertake, before undertaking the fulltime lifestyle–else you may wish you’d seen the undertaker. You may well have different interests, but do you have enough common interests to make it work.
Another point to give real thought to is the matter of personal space. There isn’t much room in an RV, even a BIG one. When you fulltime, you’re underfoot of one another a great deal of the time. If you have problems getting along now, when you can walk out and go someplace, or retire to the den at the other end of the house, the fulltime lifestyle may not be your best choice. Remember the old maxim: A good marriage is made up of two good forgivers. If you have problems getting along now, you can be assured the potential pressure cooker environment may really cause you to blow your safety valve.
We aren’t trying to scare you away from what can be a wonderfully fullfilling time together. But close, mutual evaluation may show that compromises will be needed to make fulltiming your tryly happy lifestyle together.
photo: focal intent on flickr.com
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December 14th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Talking about it and the reality could be quite different - has that been the case for anyone out there?
March 14th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Hubby and I own an older Fleetwood Southwind, 4 yrs ago we traveled Route 66 from Chicago to Calif. then up to Wash state, across the upper U.S and back home to PA. We were gone 7 weeks. Now mind you, no slide out for extra room and we are not ’small’ people, if you know what I mean LOL. We got along great in the motorhome. You just have to learn when one passes by the other to ’suck’ in a tad till they pass. We could be full time RV’ers with no problem. We love the same things, married for 46 yrs last Dec.
March 14th, 2009 at 8:25 am
We have been married for 50 years and the last 6 years we have been fulltiming in our 35″ fifth wheel. We love it. However, due to the economy we have had to park and are living in it. Can’t wait to get on the road again.