I fell head over heels for my fiance right before I headed to college. Loving him is the easiest thing I have ever done, so when he told me one day he was looking into joining the marines my heart skipped a beat, heck maybe even a few beats if we are being honest, and there was A LOT of crying. My initial thought was absolutely not, but who am I to keep him from following his dream when he is so supportive of mine? A military relationship is definitely an emotional roller-coaster but I will hang on tight and enjoy the ride and here are some of the many reasons why:

1.) Writing Letters Was Romantic

If you were one of the many people to tell me this during the almost four months where letters were our only form of communication, I am so sorry for snapping at you and giving you an extensive rant on why it was most certainly not romantic. However, in hindsight, I loved the way each letter made me feel, and I still cry occasionally when I re-read them.

2.) The Days Spent Alone Make the Days Spent Together about 263858373 x Better

When my countdown is finally at a matter of hours all that is running through my mind is the big hug I will get when I finally see him. The few days a month I get to spend with him (if I am lucky) are always my best days.

3.) You learn to communicate… for real.

The cryptic text messages of normal relationships are no longer realistic because you can’t gauge someone’s mood from 600 or more miles away. You will more than likely spend an unhealthy number of hours on Skype calls, or skip a night out just to watch a movie at the same time on separate laptop screens, because it gives the feeling that you are doing something together. If you don’t master the distance, it will be hard to even consider making a relationship of this caliber work.

4.) The Uniforms

I get extremely heated when people enter into a military relationship because they “like a man in uniform” and they do not understand the effort and hardships of having a committed relationship with this person. When you are in it for the long run though, that is different and can we just take a minute to acknowledge how hard is to say no to a man with rolled sleeves or eyes peeking out from under their dress blues caps.

5.) I Am Unbelievably Proud

Every time I hear my Fiance's branch mentioned, it is an instant opportunity to brag about him to whatever family member/ co-worker / or poor retail worker that is within an ear shots distance of me. He does so many things that make me proud almost daily, how could I not be honored to claim him as my human.

6.) We Have Time to Do Our Own Things Too

People always ask me if I feel like I’m “missing out” on all the boys at my college. My obvious answer is no, I am extremely happy with the man I am with and I would not compromise that for anything. I go to class and study while he goes to work and formations and at the end of the day we get to share our experiences just like any other couple.

7.) None of the Best Things Come Easy

I could be in a much easier relationship, but that’s not what I want. I love him and I am ready to face any struggles that may be thrown our way. I have met an awesome network of other military significant others that have been extremely supportive and become great friends.

Being a Marine girlfriend, fiance, or wife is one of the most demanding challenges. It is hard every single day, but it is also worth it every single day. Loving him is the easiest thing I’ve ever done and saying goodbye is the hardest thing I have to do, every single time.