3) We Are Overly Sensitive
I am going to speak for myself here: I am overly sensitive when I hear negative things about the military spouse community.
There. I said it. I admit it. And I’m not ashamed.
Add to the list of anecdotes that I have never understood is the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Not true.
Words can, and frequently do, hurt. This may ring true for some more than others, but words do have the power to injure another human being. That being said, we have the power to respond to that hurt in a certain way or allow it to continue to hurt us.
But developing “thick skin” does not mean that we are void of all emotion about negativity.
Why do I care so much about people who make jokes or belittle military spouses? For me, it is because in my experience in working closely with the community, I have witnessed some pretty remarkable individuals. As a part of the MSOY family, I could spend months telling you story after story of really incredible people who have done some amazing things…we are lucky to have them as a part of the 1.1 million.
But in addition to seeing so many remarkable things, I have had the great honor of hearing stories from military families who have been through things I cannot even wrap my mind around.
I am blessed to have so many men and women from the military community as a part of my circle, and not only are they great people…but they have, many times very quietly, dealt with some serious challenges.
It hurts me to hear people degrade an entire group of people…many of whom have been through so much, and despite the challenges, have thrived.
So yes, I get “butt-hurt” over it. Sue me.
