Milspouse Matters Episode 106 with Advice from Experienced Military Spouses
Your Marriage Can Thrive During Deployment
Recently, I invited listeners to share your experiences of how you and your spouse helped your marriage thrive and even strengthened your relationship during deployment.
One of the surprising things about military life for me was how much of it would end up being a “Long distance marriage.” When I first got married, I didn’t realize I’d be spending so much time apart from my husband. When he was deployed or away on temporary duty (TDY), I was ever so grateful for the ability to video chat. Past generations would have marveled at our technology, but the delays, dropped calls, and frozen screens are still poor substitutes for being together. Sleeping alone night after night and the prolonged lack of intimacy wears on you, too. Not to mention all the decisions you’ll make alone, both big and small, and special moments and milestones missed. I certainly wasn’t expecting to go through labor and deliver a big-headed baby without my husband there to blame—I mean—help. I don’t recommend this scenario if you can avoid it.
The separations and goodbyes don’t get any easier, you just get stronger. You learn from each experience, adding coping tools to your toolbelt.
But can your marriage thrive through a military deployment or separation? I believe, yes, it can! With mindfulness and intention.
First, I’ll share a few of my tips, then we’ll be hearing from some other military spouses who’ve been through deployment, too.
Mentioned in this episode:
Jen’s book launch team – https://jen-mcdonald.com/books/new-book/
Podcast episodes on deployment – https://jen-mcdonald.com/podcategory/deployment/
Blog posts about deployment – https://jen-mcdonald.com/category/deployment/
This episode’s ads:
Please consider supporting, which in turn supports the production of this podcast!
SpaLife: Pamper yourself or get a gift set for a friend. Use the code 20SLOWDOWN in your Amazon cart for 20% off all SpaLife products(Amazon only). Get SpaLife here.
Munk Pack 1g Sugar Nut & Seed Bars: Gluten-free, keto friendly, plant-based, non-gmo verified, and delicious! Pretzel dark chocolate and other flavors. Use promo code SAVE10MP for 10% off all Munk Pack Nut & Seed Bars, Amazon only, ends 12/31/2023. Get Munk Pack bars here.
VENO 2-Pack Extra Large Reusable Grocery Bags: Sturdy upright design with reinforced base and carrying handles. Collapsible for easy storage. No more wobbly grocery sacks! Get VENO reusable grocery bags here.
More resources for your military life:
- Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram
- Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group
- Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode
Get Jen’s book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse.
Have a topic idea for the Milspouse Matters podcast or know someone who’d be a great guest? Send me a note or fill out our guest application.
Have you found ways to help your marriage thrive during deployment or separation? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
