4. Just because a spouse doesn’t participate, doesn’t mean they aren’t supportive.
There are many military spouses who choose not to volunteer or participate in military related activities. It’s really easy to jump to conclusions when the command spouse doesn’t attend any of the socials, jump on the meal train, or when a spouse doesn’t show up to a promotion or retirement ceremony. We all have our crosses to bear in this life and you never really know the whole story of why they don’t participate.
A spouse could have debilitating anxiety and can’t make it through a social event. Or a spouse could have two special needs children at home and can’t make it to a function during the day or isn’t comfortable with a sitter.
Or maybe the spouse is struggling with the assignment and can’t get out of bed. Or maybe a spouse can’t take the time off from his or her own job to attend. The point is, you don’t really ever know why a spouse choses not to participate in military functions, but it doesn’t mean they love their service members any less than you do. Reserve judgment for someone else.
