I want to hike the AT and/or the PCT someday.

I just really do not want to leave my wonderful lady behind for six months. And she just doesn't want to walk 2200-2400 miles with me -- at least not yet wink.

I suppose I should man up and just go...

I'm not sure I want do that.

So, my question is, how do those of you who are married leave your S/O home for multi-week trips? Does it make a difference if you're married vs. engaged vs. dating? Have you ever declined to go on a trip (or put it off indefinitely) because you didn't want to be away from home that long?

Note: I think this has wider application than thru-hiking one of the long trails. For instance, you could be hiking two or three shorter trails over, say, six to eight weeks, or perhaps doing a significant chunk of the AT or CDT or PCT.
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"Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls."