ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the effects of the aircrew lifestyle on personal relationships. It looks at the link between air-crew 'marriage' and mental health. The chapter highlights supportive psychological resources that are available for crew who are experiencing problems in their relationships. People bring different characteristics to their relationships, different motives, different personalities, and tendencies to think, feel, and behave in particular ways under particular circumstances. Many crew may wonder how the lengthy periods of physical absence from home can influence and shape their partnerships. Rapid progression in a partnership has its practical motives, allowing a couple to assess quite quickly whether together they can cope with the realities of the aircrew lifestyle. There can be some complex learning required for both people in a partnership. It is important for both people to be empathetic to the difficulties the others are experiencing.
