Let’s be real: Long-distance relationships suck, especially if it involves someone serving in the military.
Being separated for seven months from the person you want to spend the most time with and not being able to contact him while he’s away during deployment can be heartbreaking.
And when you do get a call from him, it is only for 10 minutes at most. Saying goodbye is the worst feeling, especially when you have no clue when you will see him again.
But the hellos are the best part. So, in the end, the waiting game is worth it.
I never thought I’d be in a long-distance military relationship. I always thought those relationships never worked out.
Not seeing him for a long period of time, dealing with an inconsistent schedule and taking the relationship day-by-day can be exhausting.
But that’s what makes the relationship so spontaneous: never knowing what’s going to happen. The surprises, emotional roller coaster and the waiting are worth it, and it’s quite a ride.
Dating a man in the military is even better than dating someone at home. Here’s why:
1. Think of him as your personal hero
Who doesn’t love a big, strong man? Men in the military have great stamina, strong body muscles and sometimes tattoos all over their bodies. Incredible? Yes!
The military shapes men to be mature, faster. They know what they want in life and in a girl.
What’s sexier than a man who knows what he wants?
2. Flowers
I still have all the flower petals saved. Surprise gifts in the mail are very exciting, especially when it is unexpected. But you will be expecting it, regardless.
I am not materialistic; it is the little things that count. Receiving gifts in the mail is spontaneous and a way to keep the relationship alive after months apart.
Flowers, letters, books and other thoughtful goodies remind me of him while he’s gone. It goes both ways; he’ll also be expecting care packages.
I send the sneakers he wants, razors, junk food from BJ’s, supplements and more. Sending gifts rekindles the romance.
3. Planning for the future is exciting
So many things to do, so little time.
Planning for the future can be fun. You keep the relationship going by creating new ideas to do together.
Figuring out new adventures, travels, restaurants to dine at, museums to explore, hiking trails to go to, movies to watch on Netflix and which city to take a road trip to is what keeps the relationship flowing.
A planner is definitely needed while dating a man in the military. Nothing is more exciting than planning ahead.
4. He’s your safe haven
Your military man will make you feel safe in his arms or just in general. You feel protected when you’re around him, and you know everything will be okay, on your good or worst days.
Even when he is not physically there for you, he’s there when it counts. He listens to all the whining and complaints you have throughout the day.
He makes time to be part of the good and the bad. He makes you feel secure with him here or abroad.
5. The love is real
He spends months not seeing you and limited hours talking or texting you. Having a girl who is down throughout the circumstances is a keeper.
When he sees that, he will never let you go. You are all he thinks about.
As soon as he wakes up and goes to sleep, while he’s training and as he spends countless hours digging a hole in Texas while sweating his balls off, you are on his mind.
6. Communication became easier
Technology nowadays makes it easier to communicate with others. Having a man overseas in a deserted country does not mean he does not have WiFi.
Connection is a bit slow for Skyping or FaceTiming, but Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat still function at a normal speed.
You can send a regular Facebook message to your military man and send photographs. Keeping up with each other’s social media profiles is still an activity you do.
Communication has gotten easier for couples in long-distance relationships.
7. You have time for yourself while he is defending the country
Having a long-distance military relationship comes in handy while being occupied with school, work and internships.
A boyfriend on site would add another extracurricular to your agenda. With him away, you’re able to focus more on yourself and get your priorities straight.
There is plenty of room for growth, and while he’s away, you can work on a better you. You can finish the courses you need to take, try the new hobby you always wanted to try and do something that will make you happy.
He’s working on himself as well and figuring out his post-military plans.
You two are able to work on personal commitments as you construct your life. When he’s home for good, you will be your best self, and so will he.
8. It’s a unique bond
No one else will understand what the two of you are going through. He’s not only your boyfriend, but also your best friend.
He’s someone to confide in and reveal your feelings to while you’re feeling lost and definitely lonely.
You are experiencing this relationship together. You are both anxious, feeling needy and, most of the time, annoyed. But you are in it together.
As each day, week and month passes by, you’re one day closer to seeing your military man.
Who else is he going to think about during long hours of training and traveling? You will be on his mind 24/7. You’re the only girl in his eyes.
The first hug after reuniting, the first kiss and the first everything is what makes this relationship worthwhile. It is the best feeling in the world to see him for the first time in months. It’s a great feeling to experience.
Military relationships usually work out when you try hard to make it happen. Yes, there will be tons of arguments and disagreements along the way. It takes patience, tears and frustration, but in the end, it is a joyful ride.
Crossing each day off the calendar is exciting and time does fly.
It is true that distance makes the heart fonder. I love him more and more as each day goes by.
8 Reasons Why Dating A Man In The Military Has Made Our Bond Stronger
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