2. Make time and don’t cancel plans.
Even though my husband is still home, I make the time to see my friends without him.
We schedule regular girls’ nights, and if a friend is feeling particularly down, we offer to have a night in with wine or movies where she can cry or vent.
Deployments can be lonely, especially for new spouses, so prioritizing friend time can make a BIG impact.
Making every effort not to cancel plans is equally important.
There are already countless disappointments that come with deployments, like missed phone calls and holidays spent without an email, so calling a friend ten minutes before happy hour to cancel should be avoided if at all possible.
Finally, don’t make empty gestures, like saying “we should meet up sometime.” Pick a date, set a time, and be there.
3. Send a card or gift, or offer help.
For friends who are far away, sending a card or gift is a gesture of kindness that can go a long way. Even something simple like, “Thinking of You”, can make a difference in a spouse’s day.
A couple of my closest friends I’ve met since our first duty station have moved to states across the country, but I still offer help and support, through regular texts or phone calls.
And even if a friend has a strong network of family and friends outside of the military community, support from a fellow military spouse, who understands the way the military works or what it’s like to have a partner gone for months at a time, is invaluable.
