Seasonally Single

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11/30/21

Seasonally Single: a phrase used to describe the relationship status of farm or ranch wife during busy season. See harvest season, calving season, etc.

If you're a ranch wife, or the wife of a farmer, you're more than likely familiar with the phrase "seasonally single." It's the time of year when your spouse is gone 90% of the day--the time of year where you are on your own: to cook, to keep up with housework, and to socialize with friends.

The days quickly become lonely, as much of your time is spent away from your spouse. Now don't get me wrong--I am honored to be a part of this lifestyle--one in which hard work, dedication, and perseverance is at the forefront of all planning and controls how the days will pan out--but it's hard on a person. Your spouse is out calving, planting, harvesting, building fence, moving cattle--while you're away at your job, doing whatever makes you happy and helps make ends meet. Then you come home, sit down, relax, and are ready to spend time with your spouse--to vocalize the trials and triumphs of the day--only to realize your spouse won't be home for hours after you've already gone to sleep.

It's with great joy that as November comes to an end, my time being "seasonally single" is also coming to an end. The light at the end of this very,very long tunnel is finally visible! I never thought winter would become my favorite season, but after meeting Blake and finding out that winter is really the only season things are slow enough for him to travel with me, visit friends with me, and eat on a regular basis with me--it quickly became, and will forever be, my favorite season.

So for these next few months--I'm going to take every second I can get with my spouse and make it count. All of the conversations before bed, all of the warm meals eaten together, all of the joking and laughing, all of the quick trips here and there, all of the time spent with loved ones and friends, every second I have with him by my side--I'm going to make it count. Heck, Blake may even be sick of me by the time calving season rolls around again--but I know without a shred of doubt in my mind that all of these special moments I get to spend with him during the winter season will fill my bucket enough to push through the loneliness of being "seasonally single" again in the spring.

Because that's how this life works--the cattle, our livelihood, drive the decisions we make and the work that we do. Our relationship gets put on the back-burner sometimes, and that's okay. That's what I willingly accepted when I decided to marry a rancher. And honestly, given the choice to make that decision again, I wouldn't change a thing. I love this life and the sacrifices that we have to make as a couple. I would do it every single season, time and time again. Even if it means being "seasonally single."

To all my seasonally single women, I'm with you: to support you, to visit with you, for coffee dates, uplifting talks, or just some quick company. Hang in there ladies, we've got this!

-Whitney Wold