Every relationship is a learning experience because every relationship comes with obstacles. However, members of the military and their partners often face different challenges, apart from the ordinary, run-of-the-mill issues (though we definitely face those, too). The lessons I've learned in the nine months I've been with my boyfriend, Stephen, are invaluable. Here are just a few of them.

1. How to make time for each other.

When you're dating a military man (or woman), you begin to realize how much you value every minute you spend together. With my boyfriend facing overseas deployment in 2017 (for a period of time that is, as yet, unspecified, but could be anywhere from three months to nine months, or possibly even longer), it's become even more imperative that we not take our time together for granted. Though generally our time apart currently is limited to monthly three or four-day drills, it's hard not to think about where we'll be in a year. In the grand scheme of things, though, I've learned that it's far better to simply be happy with what you have, instead of dreading the future.

2. How to cope with no contact.

In a media-heavy modern world, it can be difficult for all of us to disengage from our phones. To love a soldier often comes with a lot of unknowns; there may be several days where I don't hear from Stephen, who is in the National Guard, because charging a cell phone is hardly a top priority when you're busy with drill (or, as Stephen puts it, "getting smoked"). I've learned to have a lot more patience and to put all my trust in God because often times I just have to accept that I won't hear from him for a few days, and that's okay.

3. How to appreciate the little things.

From late-night runs to Kroger for ice cream to customary weekday orders from Pita Pit (our favorite) every little opportunity to show love and appreciation matters. Especially as a broke college student, it's always nice to surprise each other with small tokens of appreciation; it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to show you care. Sometimes, this can just mean dropping the last of your flex dollars on Twizzlers, or putting on his favorite movie. I promise every little effort counts.

4. How to love through the difficult times.

Admittedly, it is pretty scary to think about your partner getting deployed overseas, and not just for the obvious reasons. That kind of fear extends far beyond just the battlefield. It's difficult enough when Stephen leaves for drill, or for AT, and my heart hurts for the people I know whose partners have been away overseas for months at a time. It's during these times, though, that it's most important to keep your love strong. I like to think that the saying, "distance makes the heart grow fonder" is pretty true; that doesn't exactly make the distance or the hardships that come with it any easier. Every relationship comes with difficult times; knowing how to face them with grace and courage is definitely a learned skill.

5. What it means to be proud of your partner.

Sometimes, it can be easy to forget how much is sacrificed by the men and women in uniform who protect our country. To the ones who love them, they're really just normal people; the difference is that we, their biggest supporters, are lucky enough to be able to call our loved ones heroes. One of my proudest moments was when Stephen was officially sworn in as a firefighter at Starkville City Hall. Being in the National Guard can't be easy, and knowing that he was now pulling double duty scared me, but it also made me so, so proud. Not everyone can say that their partner serves his country in so many ways, and for that, I know I am so blessed. While the path of loving a hero isn't the easiest, it's the only one I'd ever take, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.