Being a military significant other is hard. It's an emotional roller coaster and it's something that always faces new challenges. I'm a Navy girlfriend and each branch is different but, we all face the same challenges. For example, deployments, basic training, travel bans, denying leave, uniform rules, etc. So if you clicked on this article because you are missing your S.O a little extra, I'm hoping this will make you feel better.

All of this is temporary. Even if they stay in the service for 20 years, you have to remember eventually, they'll be home with you. You will be able to wake up next to them every day and kiss them goodnight every night. You will be able to eat dinner with them and cook with them. You will be able to come home to them and tell them about your day. You will never be able to get the time back you spend waiting for him but know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Remember, this is just temporary. They will come home to you.

Remember how proud you are of them. They are out risking their lives for not just you, but strangers. They are willing to sacrifice everything for the U.S. You should forever be proud of them and their decision to join the military. Know that it makes him feel good that you are so proud of him. You are what pushes him through the day. I never give myself credit for anything when it comes to military stuff, but one night I was on the phone with my boyfriend and we were talking about "dependas" and he goes, "Military girlfriends should really get more credit than they do. You're a support system and you are what pushes me every day to do better." That made me feel so good to know that just being with him and letting him know how much I support him and care for him makes his day. Remind your boyfriend on a daily basis (if possible) how proud you are of him and how much you care for him. It benefits the both of you.

Remember that it's ok to cry. It's ok to miss them. They may not be as sincere because they are literally trained to turn off their emotions, but they miss you too. They want to see you too. It's ok to go through old videos and pictures and cry because you miss them and/or miss having those moments with them. It's ok to talk to your other girlfriends and tell them how much you miss them even though they won't understand to the full extent. Don't ever feel ashamed for crying over the fact that you miss him.

I will forever be jealous of the people that get to see my boyfriend on a daily basis and take it for granted. There are so many milestones the both of us are missing out on because he's away. We missed his 19th birthday, my 18th birthday, my graduation, my move-in day at college, our anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's day, etc. We will never get that time back. I have to constantly remind myself, this isn't permanent, I'm more than proud of him, and it is ok for me to be emotional over him.

I love him though and I wouldn't want it any other way.