Being in the military can be challenging, especially if you’re a new boyfriend or girlfriend. The pressures of military life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything that goes on.
We know that your relationship is essential and that many factors need to be considered as part of this decision. At first glance, it seems like being in the military is incompatible with being in a relationship; however, we have seen many couples thrive together despite these differences.
Dating a military boyfriend or girlfriend whom you have met through online dating sites can be both exciting and daunting. However, it’s important to remember that no matter how tough things seem, you’re in for a rewarding relationship. Anything is possible when you work together!
So let us share some valuable tips to help you grow and develop your bond with an individual in the military.
Respect their priority
The military lifestyle is full of change and uncertainty. When you are the primary caregiver, you are the one who has to take care of everything.
Your special someone will have to leave for training, and when it doesn’t work out, they’ll have to deal with the consequences of such bad news.
Be understanding by doing things like rearranging your schedule so that you can cook dinner together as much as possible and make sure that your family knows when something is not going to work out so they can plan accordingly.
Patience is the key
It will take time and a lot of patience, but it is worth it. Remember that he can only trust so many people, and you are one of them. So you need to respect and understand his priorities regarding calling for duty.
He has kept his private life extremely personal up until now. Give him time to build that trust when it comes to you and slowly create the bond necessary for a lasting relationship.
Be secure
If a person in military service is dating you, he may never have had more intimate relationships than those he made while serving in the military.
That’s not bad or good. It is just the nature of things and something you should understand. It’s not a competition between you and his friends in the military; they’re people with whom he shared a very intimate part of his life, and you should want to be close with him, too.
You need not compare, feel insecure or try to come in between their camaraderie; instead, give him his space, and the same goes for you.
Blending in the civilian life
If a military member is in a relationship, their partner will inevitably have to deal with the idea of their power and position. This can be challenging, but as an outsider, it requires understanding how difficult it can be when living in civilian life.
You don’t want to lose someone who would love to join you in civilian life because they are unwilling to adapt to the civilian culture.
Relish the stories and anecdotes
Learn the fun facts about your date, why he enjoys the outdoors and can name birds by their call. Where he is stationed and what it is like to live there. You’ll be inundated with random factoids sooner or later and find yourself sounding more worldly too!
Understand their trauma
Recognize the traumas that aren’t evident. Not every soldier has Post-traumatic stress disorder when they return home. However, there is nothing wrong with it for those who do. Take into account that, at least at first, the chances of him opening up and talking about it — let alone seeking treatment — are slim to none. You’ll find it difficult, but consider how he feels.