Navigating Deployment Sadness as a Military Spouse
Deployments are tough, and sometimes it feels like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of Netflix and chill… alone. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve created a list of some fun ways to shake up those deployment blues and keep your long-distance, “sometimes I wonder why the heck we’re in the military,” relationship or marriage thriving.
GET CREATIVE
Let’s face it, FaceTime and text messages can start to feel a bit bland after a while. Spice things up by exploring creative communication methods that keep your connection alive.
Voice Love Letters: Record sweet, funny, or downright silly audio messages for your partner. Hearing your voice is the next best thing to having you there. Bonus points if you serenade them with a love song!
Themed Care Packages: Because we both know you’ll do anything to hit up hobby lobby and target for the third time this month. Try sending care packages that include thoughtful items themed around inside jokes or shared interests. Maybe it’s a “movie night” kit with popcorn, their favorite candy, and a DVD of a film you both love, or a “spa day” box with scented candles and their favorite snacks.
Virtual Date Nights: Plan virtual date nights where you both eat the same meal or watch the same movie simultaneously. Technology is on your side—use it to make the distance feel a little less like the Grand Canyon. We know for some this isn’t realistic and can already feel the eye rolls.
EMBRACE THE ART OF A PEN PAL ROMANCE
When was the last time you wrote a love letter? In an age of instant gratification, writing letters can be a romantic way to keep your relationship fresh and exciting. Plus, there’s nothing quite like finding a love letter among the bills and junk mail.
Pour Your Heart Out: Write down your thoughts, dreams, and feelings in a way that digital communication can’t capture. Use your finest handwriting and sprinkle in some cute doodles or photos. Include snippets from your day, funny stories, or maybe even a salty poem or two. Haikus are your best friend.
Send Surprise Letters: Send letters randomly and add little surprises—drawings, photos, or maybe a funny comic strip you found that reminds you of them. Let your creativity flow like a fine wine, and your partner will be eagerly checking their mailbox. Who knew the post office could be the ultimate wingman?
Create a Deployment Diary: Start a diary that you both contribute to, sending it back and forth throughout the deployment. This shared journal can be a beautiful keepsake of your journey through deployment and help you feel connected. Plus, you’ll have a record of all your salty comments to look back on when you’re reunited.
FOCUS ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT
While it’s important to stay connected with your partner, don’t forget about the person on this side of the screen—you! Use this time to focus on self-improvement and growth, making you a stronger and happier version of yourself when your partner returns.
Hobby Heaven: Dive into a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s painting, baking, or learning a new language, keeping busy can help pass the time and give you something new to share with your partner. Who knows, you might just become the next Picasso or the baking queen (or king) of the neighborhood!
Fitness Challenge: Take up a fitness challenge or join a class you’ve always wanted to try. Exercise releases endorphins, and those feel-good hormones are a natural remedy for the deployment blues. Besides, it’s a great excuse to finally use that yoga mat you bought ages ago or that Peloton you just had to have
Self-Care Rituals: Create a self-care routine that makes you feel pampered and cherished. Treat yourself to spa days, indulge in your favorite snacks, or watch that guilty pleasure reality TV show without judgment. You deserve it! The stronger and more content you are, the better partner you’ll be when the reunion finally comes.
Deployments can be tough, but with these tips, you can shake up the blues and add some much-needed flavor to your long-distance relationship. By getting creative with communication, embracing old-school romance, and focusing on self-improvement, you can keep the connection strong while waiting for your partner to return.
