And we'd be leaving in just a couple of months.
We were young marrieds, and I’d recently started my first job as a registered nurse. We’d moved out of our apartment and rented a bigger home the month before, while happily located near extended family. With no military background, I considered what I thought was the military’s suggestion that we move, blinked, and uttered words that were ever so blissfully ignorant of how military life works:
“Can’t you just tell them that right now is not a good time? Maybe we can think about it in a year or so.”
I’m laughing with you now over my naiveté, but like many young military spouses, I truly didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Nearly three decades later, I have a lot more than the above to add to the list of things I'd now never say, and I’d just bet you’d have some gems to add, too! So join me and the MBO writing team for a little chuckle. And remember, we were all new spouses once! When I think back to those days, it reminds me how much I could have used a kind mentor or a bit of guidance. Seasoned spouses, let’s be that person for the new ones! But for now, have a laugh at
Or wife. Regardless, if you ever reach the point of needing to pull THIS lulu out in a conversation, you might need to do a little soul searching.
Have you heard of Murphy’s Law? Find some wood to knock on…quickly!
Why would you ever tempt fate this way? Just as soon as you say those words, whether it’s applied to an overseas base because you don’t want to be far from family or the northern tier because you don’t like the cold, sure as shootin’ you’ll have orders!
One thing military spouses learn is the fine art of flexibility. Just because something is true one day doesn’t mean it will be true the next week, day, or even hour.
Military spouses are the best folks to have around in times of crisis, illness, or even good news like a brand new baby. We’ll be the ones in the background bringing casseroles or running loads of laundry without being asked. I'd bet the Nike slogan “Just Do It!” was coined by a military spouse!
I'm sure you've had someone tell you, "What's the big deal about moving? Doesn't someone do it for you?" Um...sure. Yeah, that's how it works.
While we'll be happy for you if it turns out to be true, don't count on it until you have the house keys in your hand.
Bwahaha, but seriously…don’t you have to think twice when asked for yours, while you can roll off the active duty person’s with the ease of a longtime auctioneer?
I'm also fond of the sound of nails on a chalkboard.
Don't get me wrong--I'm ever so grateful for the ability to video chat while my spouse is deployed/TDY at most locations and realize that generations past would've loved this technology. But we all know that the delays/dropped calls/frozen screens aren’t quite a complete substitute.
Military spouses know that friends are our chosen family and are what get us through a difficult assignment, holidays alone, overseas locations, and pretty much everything else!
What would YOU add to this list?
Special thanks to MBO writer Dawn Smith for her help with this list!