Things You'll Need:
- Patience
- Love
- Strength
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Step 1
Learn as much about what will be happening during boot camp (or basic as it's called for Air Force) and during their career in the Military. Even if they are only going in for four or six years, be in the know about what your SO will be doing.
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Step 2
Take care of yourself while your SO is gone. This can help you keep from going into a depression and goes along with keeping busy. Taking care of yourself will show your SO that you can handle this.
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Step 3
Cry. For the first few days, just let it all out. It can be difficult for those of us who like to not show our emotions, so cry when you're alone if you have to. It is important to let this emotion out in the beginning so that you can move on.
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Step 4
You will hear this a LOT: Keep busy. Try not to think about your SO (significant other) too much. It is okay, but don't let that longing for them become obsessive. Putting yourself into your studies or work is a good start.
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Step 5
Write to your SO. This is what will keep them sane. I write my husband one letter every single day. You don't need to write one every day, but at least once a week. Send them photos as well. Tell them how you are doing, what you have been doing. Ask them about their experience, even if you don't hear from them. If they had any goals that you knew of beforehand, encourage them to reach that goal. The first couple of weeks, I was really down, and I wrote about how much I missed him. I wrote about that too much. They need to hear your support and love. Yes, tell them that you miss them, but don't make the whole letter about it. That will make them feel that they are doing the wrong thing. Your SO needs your support, tell them that in each letter and encourage them to do the best that they can.
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Step 6
Join a support forum. www.militarywives.com has links to all the branches of the military, and it isn't just for the wives. Family members and husbands can go their too. There is a lot of information on the website and a support forum for each branch. These forums have people who are going through the same thing you are and can answer questions.
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Step 7
If need be, talk to a counselor. Joining the military is a difficult change for you and your SO. Hopefully it is something you thoroughly thought about and talked about together. Either way, sometimes you just need to talk to somebody on the outside. You can wait until you get your TRI care packet (military health coverage) or if you have coverage of your own, or can pay for your own, get a counselor right away.
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Step 8
Sometimes it helps to listen to music that reminds you of your significant other. Make a playlist of songs you both liked, their favorite songs or just something that reminds you of them.
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Step 9
Do something they don't like but you like. You can do this with a movie or a T.V. show. Have some food that you love, but they won't touch. Have a little fun with that. It is okay to have fun. In fact, it's recommended.
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Step 10
Find other SO in your area. Hanging out with them is a great way to keep your mind somewhat off of them. They know what you're going through and can help support you.
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Step 11
Stay positive. You will get to hear from your SO eventually. Towards the end of boot camp, it will be more frequent. Know that everything will be all right. It does get easier as time goes on. You can do this.
