by Jackson Weiser

We often get various questions about dating military men. Whether you just started dating a military man or you’ve been together for some time, we hope to provide some clarity to questions we receive about dating someone in the military.

“What do military guys look for in a girl?”

Military guys, just like anyone else, look for someone they can connect with emotionally, intellectually, and physically. They value qualities such as loyalty, understanding, and flexibility in their partners.

“Why are military guys so clingy?”

Military life can be unpredictable, and deployments and separations can make couples feel like they’re constantly in a state of transition. This can make military guys feel more clingy or needy than usual, as they crave the stability and comfort of a relationship during challenging times.

“Why do military guys move fast in relationships?”

Military life is fast-paced and full of change. When a military man meets someone they connect with, they may feel like they need to move quickly because they don’t know when their circumstances might change.

“Why do military guys fall in love so fast?”

Similarly to moving fast in relationships, military guys may fall in love quickly because they want to make the most of their time with their partner. The threat of deployment or separation can make them feel like they need to act quickly to solidify their relationship.

“Why does my military boyfriend seem emotionless?”

Whether you are dating a veteran or someone who is currently in the military, PTSD can manifest itself in a seemingly emotionless outward appearance. Unfortunately, many veterans and servicemen suffer from PTSD, so they might have difficulty expressing positive emotions as a result of re-experiencing traumatic states.¹

“Are military guys faithful?”

Just like with any other group of people, there are both faithful and unfaithful individuals among military guys. It’s unfair to generalize an entire group based on the actions of a few. However, military life can be stressful and challenging, which can sometimes put a strain on relationships. It’s important to have open and honest communication with your partner about your expectations and boundaries.

“How do I know if a military guy likes me?”

There are a few signs that a military guy may be interested in you. He may make an effort to spend time with you, initiate conversations, and ask you questions about yourself. He may also show concern for your well-being and try to make you feel comfortable and supported. It’s important to remember, however, that not everyone shows their interest in the same way. Some military men might be more reserved or shy. Therefore, if you’re unsure about how someone feels about you, the best thing to do would be to ask them directly. 

Learn More about How to Improve Your Relationship!

www.ourrelationship.com

References

1. Litz, B. T., & Gray, M. J. (2002). Emotional numbing in posttraumatic stress disorder: current and future research directions. The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry, 36(2), 198–204. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1614.2002.01002.x

The post Common Questions Asked About Dating A Military Man appeared first on OurRelationship.

by Jackson Weiser

If you’re a military girlfriend who’s thinking about taking the next step with your partner, there are some important things to consider. While becoming a military wife can come with many advantages, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of being a military spouse and offer tips on how to navigate the difficulties that come with military life. Whether you’re already in a military relationship or just considering one, we hope this article will provide you with valuable insights and information to help you make informed decisions about your future.

Advantages Of Becoming A Military Wife

If you’re a military girlfriend and you’re considering marriage, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a military spouse: 

• Sense of Patriotism: Military men are often dedicated to their country and willing to sacrifice for their country’s sake. This sense of duty and patriotism can be attractive and inspiring to their partners.
• Travel Opportunities: Military life often involves moving to different locations around the world, providing an opportunity to experience different cultures and meet new people.
• Financial Benefits: Military men receive financial benefits, such as steady pay and health insurance, which can provide a sense of stability in a relationship.
• Strong Work Ethic: Military men are trained to be disciplined, responsible, and hardworking, which can be desirable traits in a partner.

Challenges to Consider

• Frequent Moves and Deployments: Military life often involves frequent moves and long periods of separation due to deployments. This can put a strain on the relationship and require a great deal of patience and resilience.
• Emotional Distance: Military men may struggle with emotional detachment due to their training and experiences, which can make it difficult for them to express their feelings and connect with their partners.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Due to the nature of military service, some servicemen struggle with PTSD or TBI. These can have significant impacts on the relationship.
• Uncertainty and Stress: Military life can be unpredictable and stressful, which can be challenging for both the service member and their partner.

How to Navigate the Cons

To navigate the challenges of dating a military man, it is important to:

• Communicate Openly: Communication is key in any relationship, but especially in a military relationship. Make sure to honestly discuss your expectations and concerns with your partner.
• Be Patient and Understanding: Military life can be unpredictable and stressful, so it’s important to be patient and understanding with your partner. Try to be flexible and adaptable, and consider that your partner may be doing their best to balance their service and their personal life.
• Take Care of Yourself: It is important to solidify your own independence and concentrate on yourself, especially if your partner is away on deployment. Engage in healthy habits and practices such as mindfulness in order to stay present and reduce stress or anxiety, as well.
• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor. Joining a support group or seeking military couples counseling can also be helpful in navigating the challenges of military life. Here at OurRelationship, we offer a free program designed for military couples that has been proven to improve relationship and individual problems such as depression and anxiety.  

Tips for a Successful Military Marriage

• Understand and embrace the military lifestyle and culture
• Communicate effectively and often with your partner
• Establish realistic expectations for your relationship and each other
• Prioritize quality time together when possible
• Make time for self-care and individual pursuits
• Seek support when needed

How to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a Military Couple

• Set boundaries between work and personal life
• Find ways to decompress after a long day or week
• Prioritize rest and relaxation
• Pursue hobbies and interests outside of work
• Support each other’s careers and personal goals

To read about how to make your long-distance military relationship work, click here.

Conclusion

Dating a military man can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. To navigate these challenges, it’s important to understand the key aspects of military life and culture, be patient and adaptable, and communicate openly with your partner. Emotional challenges can also arise, and it’s important to know that there are resources available for support. 

If you are struggling in your military relationship, know that you are not alone. Seek support from military resources or consider counseling to help navigate the challenges. With the right tools and mindset, you and your partner can overcome any obstacle and build a strong, fulfilling relationship that can withstand the challenges of military life.

Learn More about How to Improve Your Relationship!

www.ourrelationship.com

The post Pros And Cons Of Marrying A Military Man appeared first on OurRelationship.

by Jackson Weiser

Unlike other long-distance relationships, dating an individual in the military can bring up a host of unique challenges. Deployments, temporary duty assignments (TDY), different time zones, and limited communication can all make military relationships challenging. However, it is possible for your relationship to survive and even thrive under these circumstances. By following the tips in this article, you can make the most out of your long-distance military relationship.

Communication is Key

Long-distance military relationships require extra effort in order to stay connected and maintain a strong relationship. That’s why communication is absolutely key! 

Regular communication is essential for building trust and intimacy in your relationship. This is especially true when you can’t physically be together. It is important to actively listen during your conversations, and be honest about how you feel and what’s on your mind, even if it isn’t pleasant. This also means being patient and understanding when communication isn’t always easy, whether due to time differences, technical difficulties, or other factors.

So, try to make communication a top priority in your long-distance military relationship. Use a variety of communication methods, such as texting, calling, or video calls to keep things interesting and mix it up. Maintaining consistent communication may take extra effort, but it’s worth it to maintain a strong, healthy relationship despite the miles between you. If you or your partner has trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings, here is a link to another one of our articles that can help you with that.

Embrace Your Independence

We are aware that having a long-distance military relationship can be challenging, but it can also be a chance for personal development. When your companion is gone, you have more time to concentrate on yourself, explore your own interests and hobbies, and solidify your own identity. Embracing your freedom and making the most of your alone time are as essential as staying in touch and making time for your relationship. Here are some examples of what you can do:

Get involved in your community

Even if your partner isn’t away, it is always a good idea to get involved in your community. Whether it be volunteering, taking classes, or playing sports, there are many ways to feel connected with the people around you and gain fulfillment without the presence of your partner. 

Hone a skill

Making steady progress on a skill is one of the best ways to feel accomplished and independent. As you see yourself getting better and better, you will feel more confident in other parts of your life as well. You could even surprise your partner with your new talent when they return. 

Go on a solo adventure

Traveling by yourself is another great way to embrace your time alone. You don’t need to go far, either. Simply going across town can be a refreshing experience. If you’ve never traveled alone before, you might be pleasantly surprised by the fact that you can do it completely at your own pace.

Embracing your independence also takes some of the pressure off your partner, who may feel guilty or stressed about being away from you.

Of course, it’s important to find the right balance between independence and couple time. You don’t want to become so focused on your own interests that you neglect your relationship altogether. But by becoming a more independent person, you develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with your partner overseas.

Plan for the Future

One of the biggest challenges of a long-distance military relationship is the uncertainty about the future. With deployments, training, and relocations, it can be hard to know what’s coming next and how to plan for it. But having a plan, both short-term and long-term, can help you and your partner feel more secure and confident about your future together.

Short-term plans

This might include things like scheduling regular visits, setting aside time for video chats and phone calls, and planning special events or surprises for each other. These can help keep the relationship feeling fresh and exciting, even when you aren’t physically together.

Long-term plans

This might include things like discussing where you want to live when your partner is done with their deployment or TDY, talking about career goals and aspirations, and considering how you might build a life together once the deployment or TDY is over. Having a shared vision for the future can give you both something to work towards, and can help you weather the ups and downs that might occur along the way.

So, sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about your goals and aspirations, both individually and as a couple. Brainstorm ways to make those goals a reality, and make a plan for how you’ll work towards them together. Even if the plan changes along the way, having a shared vision for the future can help keep your relationship strong and thriving despite the distance.

Keep the Romance Alive

Being in a long-distance military relationship doesn’t mean that the romance has to fizzle out. With a little effort and creativity, you can keep the spark alive and make your partner feel loved and appreciated, even when you’re miles apart. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Surprise Visits

Nothing says “I love you” like a surprise visit from your partner. If you’re able to plan a visit, try to keep it a secret until the last minute for an extra element of surprise. Even if you can only visit for a short time, the gesture can go a long way in making your partner feel special.

Virtual Dates

Thanks to technology, there are plenty of ways to have a “date” with your partner even when you’re not in the same room. Plan a virtual dinner date, movie night, or game night using video chat or screen sharing. You can even send each other food or snacks to enjoy together during the date.

Love Letters

In a world of instant messaging and texting, there’s something especially romantic about a handwritten love letter. Take the time to write down your feelings and send a physical letter or care package to your partner. It’s a tangible reminder of your love that they can hold onto and cherish.

Remember, the key to keeping the romance alive in a long-distance military relationship is to stay intentional and make the effort to show your partner that you really care and are thinking about them. By planning surprise visits, virtual dates, and sending love letters, you can keep the spark alive and show your partner that distance doesn’t diminish your love.

Acknowledge the Unique Challenges and Rewards

The Challenges

These might include frequent moves, deployments, and the stress and anxiety that come with military life. It can be difficult to maintain a sense of stability and routine when your partner’s job requires them to be away from home and potentially in danger for extended periods of time.

The Rewards

There are also unique rewards to being in a military relationship. For example, you and your partner are both part of a larger community that values service, sacrifice, and patriotism. This means that they understand your feelings and worries, so they are well equipped to offer support and empathy.

Another positive of the military relationship is that you may have the opportunity to travel and experience different parts of the country or the world. You also get to be a part of your partner’s journey as they grow and develop in their military career.

Acknowledging the challenges and rewards of military life can help you and your partner maintain perspective and find ways to support each other through the ups and downs. It’s important to be open and honest about your feelings and experiences, and to actively work together to navigate the unique challenges of military life. Celebrate the unique aspects of your partnership while also finding ways to support each other through the tough times.

Conclusion

By following these tips and finding creative ways to support each other, you can overcome the unique challenges of a long-distance military relationship and build a strong and lasting partnership. 

Learn More about How to Improve Your Relationship!

www.ourrelationship.com

The post How To Make Your Long-Distance Military Relationship Work appeared first on OurRelationship.