The hardest thing to shut off when leaving is wanting to continue living the great, active, fun lifestyle inside the bubble. But it won’t take long for the reality of the real world to slam the door on that. Then the, I’m counting the days until I can return, valve will get immediately flipped wide open.

My motivation to turn off the refrigerator when I'm gone for several months, aside from savings on the electric bill, is to extend the life of the refrigerator by not using it as much. So your concern about damage by not keeping it running ran contrary to my thinking. My research online did not turn up any sites that confirm what you're saying. Most recommend keeping the fridge running if you're away for a month or less, and turning it off if away for more than a month.

I'm curious where you got that impression -- maybe an appliance manufacturer? Or was it anecdotal? If you can cite a reliable source, that would help! Thanks.

I don't have a source, but I don't see how turning off the refrigerator for several months will extend the life. Note that the refrigerator has a refrigerant just like an air conditioner does. The refrigerant contains a lubricating oil that is needed to keep the moving parts of the compressor and the seals lubricated so they do not dry out and leak, or start to rust. When you shut down the system, this lubrication stops functioning. It makes sense to me that keeping the refrigerator running continuously is the best way to ensure a long lasting refrigerator.