1. Writing letters is the best form of therapy

Even though writing is already in my genes, the so-called "old fashioned" letter has become my best friend. Whether or not it was a good day or a tough day, I've learned a pen, paper, and endless thoughts can still be told to your best friend even if he's miles away. Nothing feels better than telling him everything.

2. His T-shirts make you feel like he is home

Since he is at basic and I am home, his wardrobe has become mine. By wardrobe, I mean shirt after shirt hung up in his closet. There is something about your boyfriend's T-shirts that are so much more comfortable than the ones us girls own. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about.

3. The mailbox is your enemy and your friend

You see the mailman/woman deliver mail every day and there you go right down to the mailbox. We know we don't get letters every day but we still check the mail every day clinging to the hope a letter from our soldier will be in there. The days we do are the best of days, but the days we get no letter from our soldiers can be the hardest walks back up the driveway.

4. Support groups are everything

Being a part of a group where everyone can relate to what you are going through is quite a relief. Getting to know the families, friends, or significant others from your soldier's company or platoon is to me a true blessing.

5. Prayer when you wake up and go to bed is a regular activity

I've always been a Christian, and I've always prayed. However, I never miss a morning where I pray for God to give me the strength to be stronger than the day before and there is never a night where I miss praying to God to keep my soldier strong and safe always knowing I will be home waiting for him.

6. The Star-Spangled Banner comes on the radio and makes you proud

Even though you may shed a few tears, you will always be proud to be an American. When the song comes on, you do nothing but turn the radio up and sing along.

7. Looking at old videos of you both hits you right in the heart

For the times you feel lonely, you hold the pictures and videos close to your heart. Whether you are looking through every photo you have ever taken together, watching videos reminiscing of the days before he was gone, or listening to a voice recording he sent you while he's away they always can put a smile on your face.

8. You learn a new depth of love for each other

I always knew our love was strong, as strong as I thought it could be. That was until my best friend boarded the plane on his way to basic. That feeling of your heart sinking to a depth it couldn't be felt, to building your heart back up piece by piece day by day knowing your soldier loves you and you love him.

9. Every time you see an Army bumper sticker you think of him

We all know we are thinking about our soldiers 24/7, at least I can vouch for that. It is only since he left that I have become attentive to every single Army bumper sticker on any car. With every single sticker I see, I smile, my heart begins to pound, and I look down to the promise ring on my finger and know he's thinking of me too.

10. A brief phone call means the world

The first phone call you get whether it's five or one minute or even thirty seconds is the moment you learn to cherish and appreciate every second you get to hear your soldiers voice. I remember my first phone call, holding back the happy tears just so I could hear him say, "I'm good, and I love you."

As this journey has only just begun, I've learned lots and will continue to learn. I have adapted a whole new appreciation for all the men and women serving our country and to all who have served, are serving, or will serve, God bless you and thank you for your service.