Whether your boyfriend is active-duty or part-time in one of our country’s military branches, he is contributing to the overall mission of protecting our country, and you have every right to be proud of him. Hey, be proud of YOU too because it takes a tough woman to be a military girlfriend. Many service men and women are busy during the summer with various training programs for ROTC, the Reserves, the National Guard, or Active Duty. Even if your man is gone for a long period of training this summer, you can still keep your relationship fun and interesting. Here’s some tips I have from my experience dating a soldier and ways that I plan on keeping in touch with him while he’s 499 miles away this summer at training.
Love Letters
Love letters are a great way to voice your feelings for one another and are great if your soldier is only able to receive snail mail. Even if he is able to use his phone or computer, there’s nothing more romantic than a handwritten love letter. You can write a poem, include funny inside jokes between you two, or tell him what you’ve been up to lately. This could be as fancy or simple as you wish with nice stationary or just a funny card that will make him smile. Letters make great keepsakes to look back on even years down the road. Add a dash of your perfume before sealing your letter for a personal touch.
Keep a Countdown
Have a countdown for the next time you’ll see each other. Whether it’s on an app you have on your iPhone or a cute idea you found on Pinterest, a countdown will help you with your long distance relationship. You’ll get excited when those numbers get in the single digits!
Patience, Trust & Commitment
Patience, trust & commitment are essential to survive time apart from one another. It may seem like a million years until you get to see your boyfriend, but stay patient and know that the time will come. Being apart this summer doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself! Go sailing, attend a music festival, or learn how to salsa dance. Your boyfriend will enjoy reading about your experiences in one of your letters. Also, when you’re miles apart, there simply isn’t room for doubt and distrust. Make sure both of you are both equally committed to the relationship and allow yourself to let go and have trust.
I Love You’s
Never let a day pass without letting your other half know how you feel. Being apart is easier when you are reminded how much you’re loved. This might be difficult to do if your boyfriend can only receive snail mail. In that case, send lots of love through the mail. Otherwise, you can share your love via text, phone, Facebook, etc. Be creative and have fun communicating with each other when you can.
If you can get through tough times like being apart for an entire summer, your future relationship will be much stronger. “True love doesn’t mean being inseparable. It means being separated and nothing changes.”