While dating is something that most everyone experiences, being in a relationship with someone in the military offers its own unique experience. Here are seven things you can probably relate to if you are dating someone in the military.
1. You will most likely always be the last one finished eating.
While you may be a natural-born fast eater, it probably pales in comparison to the lightning speed at which military members eat. I myself was always a very slow eater—I usually fell asleep at the dinner table as my parents attempted to get me to finish my food. This meant my husband always ate quicker than I did, but when he returned from basic training, the word ‘quick’ just didn't cut it. When we go on dates, my husband usually clears his plate in the time, it takes me to chew two bites of a burger. This, I learned, was due to the fast pace at which meal time goes in military training. So, if you find yourself dating someone serving or has served in the military, just know that you will most likely always be a few bites behind.
2. Their posture is probably better than yours.
Unless you have trained for pageants or been in the military yourself, you probably do not think much of your posture. Posture is seemingly a natural occurrence that should require much thought or execution. However, when my husband returned from basic training, he seemed to have grown two inches. Was this a sporadic growth spurt? Perhaps, but it was mostly likely the effects of endless berating that pushed his shoulders back and his chin up. The mannerism and respect conducted in a military uniform does not dissipate once the boots come off. It remains a part of their everyday life, which means you will most likely feel like the Hunchback of Notre Dame when standing next to your significant other.
3. They will most likely always pack better than you.
You may be one of those people born with a talent for packing and organization, but if you are like me, then you just try to make it all work the best you can. Up until recently, I always thought I was a decent packer—I wasn't the best, but I didn't think I was terrible at it. Then my husband began packing for trips after his time in basic training, and he could somehow take what should be three suitcases and compact it into one. He has become an imitation of Mary Poppins with the astounding amount of things he can fit into a bag. The military actually teaches specific ways to fold things, and it is a sight to marvel at. My husband can take my suitcase busting at the zipper, refold everything, and then fit all of his clothing in it as well. I don't try to understand it or imitate it because I know I cannot. So take a nice hot shower or long bubble bath and let your trained significant other pack your travel bags. Chances are they will do it in half the time and still have space left.
4. Your yelling will not faze them.
While you might have an intimidating, angry voice, it probably will not have the effect you intended. It goes without saying that our military men and women go through intense training both physically and mentally in order to defend our country. They are broken down and built back up, separating the strong from the weak. Therefore, when you get mad at your significant other for not doing the dishes or not folding the laundry, don't be surprised if your stern voice doesn't have them shaking in their boots. They have heard worse.
5. They will probably take insanely quick showers.
Military training is no doubt a stressful and rigorous experience. For some of us, long hot showers tend to be stress relievers. This, however, is not the case when it comes to the military. Water is treated as a sacred gift from the gods, and men and women are given a strict amount of time to get in and out of the showers. In the time it takes me to get up and start the coffee, my husband will have showered, shaved, brushed his teeth, and gotten dressed. It's a process so fast and astounding that I did not think it was humanly possible. Don't be surprised if your military trained significant other showers in the time it takes you to wet your hair.
6. They are loyal.
I do not think enough can be said about the commitment and loyalty it takes to conquer a career in the military. It takes certain characteristics to persevere through military training and then proceed to take a job in said field. A man/woman who is loyal to their country will remain loyal to the ones they love. You will always be able to count on them being there for you.
7. They are brave.
This one should go without saying, but I feel it needs to be stated, anyway. Those that serve this country are amongst the bravest men and women out there. If you get to call one of these men or women, the person you love, then consider yourself lucky. It takes a special person to do what our military branches do, and in return, its members deserve a special type of person to come home to. So let your significant other know just how much you appreciate and respect them because chances are you probably don't say it enough.
To the men and women who have served and continue to serve this country- thank you.
