different scenario given DH and many of his friends are truckies - but somewhat similar as well - they are away from their family for long periods of time, and contact is limited to phones when they can. It's doable. It's hard, but doable. You have to put in the effort to communicate when you have the opportunity, and then you have to put your everything in to doing what you are away to do, throwing yourself into it - to make sure that it's emotionally fulfilling and worth being away kwim?

Honestly, I would struggle to make the call - but I think i'd end up doing it. Three weeks is a long time - but the benefits of those three weeks long term would outweigh the downsides.

Don't let the words of your friend get to you - you don't need to justify your decision to anyone except yourself and your DH. and if you two are ok with it, no one else matters