It never fails that the question, "What's it like to date a firefighter?" is brought up in every conversation I have. Many people ask if I worry constantly, have anxiety when he is on shift or if I see him often. I look at them and think to myself: If only they knew what it was really like to date a firefighter. At this point, I am prepared to answer that question to the best of my abilities:

1. No matter where you go, they know someone

If you're in a time crunch, plan ahead because you're going to be there for awhile. Anybody they see can start a conversation of reunion proportion.

2. You're often summoned to their station with food or cookies

The weird part is that before you even leave, it's all gone. I don't understand. I mean, it's literally all gone.

3. Every time they say they're in charge on a call, this is all you can picture:

Sometimes I question if I'm far from reality.

4. You plan a fancy date and they end up wearing a fire department shirt

They claim they have nothing else, so you go through their draws and they literally own nothing but department shirts. Also, if you buy them nice shirts to solve the problem, they will continue to wear the department shirts.

5. Sometimes they randomly pretend they're firetrucks

I honestly don't think they even notice how weird it is to start making siren noises as I drive down the road; it's second nature to them.

6. When you first meet them and they introduce themselves as a firefighter you expect this:

(Okay, maybe it's a little exaggerated.)

7. This is what you get:

Dating a firefighter, like dating anyone, has its challenges. But I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world (okay, maybe for the puppies.) Firefighters work hard to save those in their community. This article is not only a tribute to the partners who constantly answer the question above, but to the men and women who protect us and our community. Thank you for your service.