Love Comes In All Shapes and Sizes

So far, I have spoken about long distance/military relationships, and about how difficult and rewarding they can be. But, I have made sure to be careful of my terminology because I wanted to keep my posts as open and relevant to everyone as possible. However, in this post, I want to address the fact that love does in fact come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn't matter if you are white, black, straight, gay, military or not...when you fall in love with someone, you make it work. This is the story of a lesbian couple who is making their military relationship work, despite the controversy of Don't Ask Don't Tell. This is a fantastic example of a couple pushing against the odds to make their love work.

Loving From A Distance

I was browsing the internet and found a really cool website called Loving From A Distance dedicated to long distance couples! They have relationship advice, activity ideas, and more! Take a few minutes and browse the site!

Click here to visit site!

Lessons Dating A Service Member Has Taught Me

Dating a military member has been a very eye opening experience. I guess I didn't realize going into it how much I would change as a result of my relationship. I have gained knowledge, insight, compassion, and patience. I have discovered things about myself and how I wish to continue with my life, and who I want to be a part of it. I've discovered that I am stronger than I thought I was, and I am more independent than I realized. Many things are revealed to us when we take chances, especially in romantic situations. I found an article asking military wives what lessons they learned by dating a man in the military. The answers were honest, raw and so easy to relate to. Here are some of their responses:


 The importance of communication, patience and faith in our love!

The military isn’t forever, but our relationship is. So work to make sure it lasts.

You CANNOT take lack of communication personally.  There is nothing you did wrong… sometimes they really just CAN’T talk.

Continue to live your life as “normally” as possible until they are safe home again in your arms.

Transitioning to the “civilian” world is not as easy for the service member as it might seem.

 I have learned to always tell my service member that the sacrifices they are making are being noticed.

Regardless of the danger, you cannot think about the “possibilities”, but only the here, now and reality of your relationship.

The military manages their time. They don’t have a choice. You have to understand and accept that.

And my personal favorite: 
 When you find the right person, it doesn’t matter what they do… you just make it work.


To read the full article, click Here!


photo source: http://militaryspouse.com/career/50-lessons-dating-a-service-member-has-taught-me/

The Lake House

I don't know about you, but I enjoy movies that make me think. I love decoding mysteries and piecing together puzzles as a film progresses. That's one of the reasons I love The Lake House so much.
The other reason I love it so much is because it tells the story of a couple who fights every odd - distance, time, tragedy - to be together. Alex and Kate fall in love through letters. They exist two years apart, and come together through a lake house they had both lived in at one time.While the film does have a bit of a fantastical sense to it (what with the time travel and all), I think it speaks on a deeper level, especially to those in long distance relationships. I know what it's like to feel like you are in a completely different world than your significant other. I know how it feels to wait days or months to hear from someone you love. I know the heartache of wondering if it's even worth it. But, I also know the complete relief and joy of finally seeing your partner after so long. While this movie is entertaining and puzzling, it reminds us that love is difficult and frustrating, but when you find who you are meant to be with no distance or barrier can keep you apart.

What is an MRE?

The next time you have a conversation with a service member, take a moment and ask them how they feel about MRE's. Chances are, they'll cringe.  What is an MRE you ask? Well it is an acronym that stands for Meal Read to Eat. They are notorious for being barely edible and only good for basic nutrition. But is that really true? In this video, a few civilians try an MRE for the first time and put this military technology to the test!

video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E8HirPLWDg

Military Lingo

One of the most challenging (and humorous) aspects of dating a military member is decoding their lingo. The military, like any other specialized field, has a unique system of jargon used by its members. However, for those of us at home, our significant other might as well be speaking a foreign language. There have been several times when I have been on the phone with my boyfriend and have to ask him to clarify his comments. The term I like to use is "civilian speak." I think this other language is fascinating, and some of them are downright hilarious. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Bravo Zulu

Civilian speak: Well done or good job

2. Tango Mike

Civilian speak: Thanks Much

3. Secret Squirrel 

Civilian speak: Highly classified

4. "Cover my 6"

Civilian speak: "Watch my back"

5. Blue Falcon

Civilian speak: used to describe a soldier who screws over another soldier

6. Hooah!

Civilian speak: an exclamation of excitement

7.  Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Civilian speak: WTF 

8. Crumb Catcher

Civilian speak: Mouth

9. Dittybooper

Civilian speak: refers to signals used by intelligence radio operators trained to utilize Morse Code.


10. Gone Elvis

Civilian speak: a service member who has gone missing


11. Soup Sandwich

Civilian speak: a mission, individual, object or situation that has gone horribly wrong.


12. Rainbow

Civilian speak: a new recruit in basic training


13. Barney Style

Civilian speak: to explain something in very simple terms

14. Football Bat

Civilian speak: a particular way of doing things that is odd or abnormal

15. Oxygen Thief

Civilian speak: an individual who is very stupid or seemingly useless

Know any fun military jargon you didn't see on the list? Comment below! 

Sources:

 http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-terms-and-jargon.html

 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/12/04/248816232/u-s-military-lingo-the-almost-definitive-guide