Sensitivity

This blog is intended to explain what life is like for an Air Force Wife. To do that, I feel like I have to be very honest about the types of comments spouses receive and how they make us feel. I want other Air Force Wives to know to expect them, and for people who know Air Force Wives to know how they make us feel.


I realize that a lot of people are curious about military life and have a lot of questions about day-to-day life for us spouses. Normally, I would say most spouses are willing to answer questions about things like that. But there's a small percentage of time that we aren't. I'm sure you can guess when that is.


I probably don't have to tell you that when our spouses are deployed, or gone for any reason, that we worry. We worry like crazy. Sometimes even needlessly. I know, for me, my imagination runs away with me a lot. My stress that accrues during the day sometimes causes me to have nightmares at night. I'm sure I'm not the only one.


So naturally, when my husband is gone and my mind and imagination are making me crazy, I don't want to answer questions about deployments. I know that no one ever means to hurt or offend when they are asking these questions, usually its the opposite. They are trying to let me know that I'm supported and I have people there to listen to me. But I can't always talk so openly about it.


Also, a lot of comments/questions about it can be misconstrued as negative. Whether you mean it or not, sometimes my craziness will misinterpret your comment/question. Basically, what I am saying is (not that its news to anyone really) that spouses are especially sensitive during times when their significant other is gone. I know I am.


So if you are a military spouse, just know that when people do this, they usually mean well. Part of this job means having lots of patience and understanding. People outside you and your spouse are not mind readers and therefore do not know when you take things the wrong way or get your feelings hurt.


If you are not a military spouse, just know that times when us spouses are alone is rough. We scare ourselves a lot needlessly and worry constantly. We also need your patience and understanding, along with your positive support. No you cannot read our minds, but just know that we are extra sensitive during this tough time. I'm sure every military spouse is grateful to have someone like you in their life to be there for them!