Thursday, August 29, 2019

YOUNG AND IN THE MILITARY (The Girlfriend Perspective): GIRLFRIEND BASICS

Note: I may earn money or products from the companies, products, or links mentioned in this post.


If you have kept up with my “young in the military” series, then you might have remembered the first three parts:
Now I am adding this last post to the series about basic things I think girlfriends should know. I do not claim to be an expert in any of the topics I talk about in these posts, but I do talk about things that have helped me along the way, and I hope they are helpful to you!

Girlfriend Basics:

These are in no way inclusive, and I would love to hear your input about what you would tell future girlfriends!

1. The Dreaded "D"  Word...

Deployments are NOT the End of the World! My boyfriend is currently Deployed to Europe. I won't go into detail due to OPSEC (Operation Security). I am also a sophomore in college. I am definitely scared but as time goes on I adjust. It is okay to feel sad but make sure you don't cut yourself off from the rest of the world just because they are gone. Get a job, go to school, write letters, make care packages, etc. etc. etc.....Just stay busy. Our relationship grew so much more than I ever thought in the ten months we were apart.

2. Communication

Every situation I know is different. With my boyfriend being deployed we are unable to talk every day, this IS something being with a military man I had to get used too and understand. Whether or not your SO is deployed, in basic training, or on base most military members are not always on there phones or able to reply right away. Every military job is demanding and can be stressful.

3. Educate Yourself.

Always learn about military life now instead of in the future. It's important to learn now so you can say you know a little bit about military life. "Learning things like rank, etiquette for military functions, etc. will help immensely when you visit your significant other or meet their work friends and higher ups."

4. Keep Busy!

I was never a person who liked doing nothing all day long. It's okay to think about and miss your SO, just not every day, all day. Keeping yourself busy can make time and days go by so much quicker. I am in college and almost immediately I got a job working the time away while my boyfriend is gone. I am still having good and bad times, days where I cry all day. Then I started doing more. Volunteer, work out, go to church, travel....the ideas are endless!

5. A Little Love Goes a Long Way

"Since long distance relationships can make it difficult to communicate. Even a simple text that they may not receive until hours later can go a long way. Love doesn't always have to be some grand gesture."

6. Supportive Clothing

Most girlfriends LOVE supporting her man, I know I do. I will say you don't have to wear certain things because others do. It's you body wear what you want, whenever you feel like it.

7. Travel!

Saving your money IS worth it, trust me! "Saving money to go visit your SO is 1000% worth it if you can make it work. I didn't think I would visit half of the places I would visit in the last few years. It almost makes the distance worthwhile.....almost."
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