MythBusters is one of my favorite shows. Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman conduct experiments to test popular theories, movie scenes, and myths. You know, to see if they are true. I wonder what would happen if MythBusters should up on a military installation? Would they find that “the rumors are true?”
Upon conducting some research, there are some pretty serious misunderstandings that the general civilian population seems to believe. Let’s check ‘em out.
1. The “You knew what you signed up for” mantra.
This one always automatically results in an audible and inappropriately loud laugh. None of us had any idea about what we “signed up for.” Most of us fell for someone that looked smokin’ hot in uniform and they successfully charmed us. We might have had an inkling about long-term separation, or how often we might move, but we had no framework for the reality of the immense loneliness, the difficulty of balancing our emotional wellness (not to mention, our kid’s emotional process), and holding down the home front with grace.
2. Military life is just like “Army Wives.”
Listen. Lifetime has had some wins in the past, and I have to admit that I watched every episode during my husband’s first deployment, but they missed the mark on this one. If anything, the show just confirmed our separateness from our surrounding civilian community and falsely portrayed the narrative that every spouse is seen, cared for, and included in a “family like” environment. What they didn’t show was the months it takes to work up the courage to attend a spouse’s function, or the frustration of finding help when you need it most.
3. We cheat when our spouse has boots on the ground some where else.
Ok. Let’s just set the stage for this one. After working full-time, or spending the entire day grabbing snacks and wiping small children’s behinds (sans touching a razor for months on end), we are supposed to have the energy for this nonsense? No. Just no.
