It’s kind of cool at first, isn’t it? You’re in this brand new relationship and you’re so intrigued with what he does. You think he’s so attractive in his uniform and then you realize what an amazing guy he is, which just makes you fall in love.
Then you start to understand so many things about the military that you didn’t before. He explains what he does on a day to day basis and how little free time he has. Despite how crazy his schedule may be, he always makes time for you.
For some military relationships, you spend most of your time long distance. You have many FaceTime dates and phone calls that make your day. It’s hard, because you see your friends with their boyfriends who they see every single day, and you just wish you could see yours every day, too. Sometimes your friends and their boyfriends will go a week or two without seeing each other, and they will be expressing how much they miss their significant other. A part of you understands that every relationship’s issues are incomparable to another, but another part of you is annoyed that you are the person they are complaining to about their short period of long distance. You wish that a week or two was the only time you had to go without seeing him.
And then the day comes that you knew deep down was coming, but prayed it never would. The day he told you he was getting deployed. You don’t know how you’re supposed to react, because this is what he’s trained to do and you’re so damn proud of him. But, you have every negative thought running through your head, and you’re petrified.
Your friends always tell you, “You’re so strong, I don’t know how you do it.” But you don’t feel strong. In fact, you feel the opposite. You don’t know what the future will hold and what will happen to him. You don’t have a choice but to be strong. You can’t even count on your hands how many times people say, “I couldn’t do it.” But they will never understand. No matter where or how long he is going, you will always be waiting and praying.
It's sort of like a battle you deal with yourself, because it's hard for average couples to give you good advice. You learn fast that surrounding yourself with good people will make the time fly so much faster, and he will be with you again sooner than you think.
They don't lie when they say distance makes the heart grow fonder. Over time, you have found yourself to be stronger than you believed you were, and your relationship gets stronger due to the love and loyalty you have towards one another. The time you have with each other is so precious, and you know in your heart that everything is going to be okay in the end.
To all my military girlfriends out there, know that you are stronger than you think and be honored that you are dating one of America's heroes.
