Relationships are difficult at the best of times, but if you're dating or are married to someone in the army, you'll undergo a different set of trials and tribulations. 

That's not to say you won't have the usual squabbles – you'll probably still argue over who has to do the washing up – but having one half of the relationship deployed and away from home for extended periods of time can be incredibly difficult.

However, you can get through the tough times, even if the task sometimes seems impossible. Working hard to keep the relationship going, even if your partner is on the other side of the world, is important and can make you stronger in the end.

Here are some ways you can help yourself cope and keep your relationship on track:

Find your support network

While those who don't have partners in the forces will never quite understand what you're going through, it doesn't mean they can't support you. Friends and family are there to help you get through the tough times and can be the perfect distraction if distance is getting too much.

You will also meet other husbands and wives of servicemen and women, who will totally get what it's like to be the one at home. This is the perfect opportunity to expand your friendship circle and create really strong bonds with others going through similar experiences.

Of course, you can also talk to other people on Forces Penpals. We aren't all about online dating, as you can meet great friends and start discussions that offer support and give it to you when you need it.

Occupy your time

There's nothing worse than having to spend evening after evening alone while your partner is at training or deployed. It can get really lonely and leave you feeling down. If you're also on your own a lot throughout the day, this can make it even worse.

This is why it is important to find something that will occupy your time, entertain you and help you to stop feeling lonely. You can take up a new hobby, join a group or even hit the gym, whatever takes your fancy.

Even having regular meet-ups in the evenings with friends can be really helpful, as they will help time to go faster so your partner will be home before you know it.

Don't hold it against them

It can be hard to remember that the armed forces are more than just a job when you're tired and fed up of your partner not being at home. However, you need to remember that there is a certain lifestyle that comes with being in the services and not to hold this against your partner.

Never forget that they don't want to be apart from you either and that they'd probably much rather curl up in front of the TV with you in an evening rather than be on the other side of the world. 

Getting angry with them for having to do the job is just going to waste the time you do have together and mean that you're more upset and feel worse when they do get deployed.

Constant communication

Talking to your partner is the most important thing you can do to keep your relationship strong. This could be in person, on the phone, via Skype or even through a letter. You need to keep the lines of communication open and talk to them about everything you usually would when they are at home.

You both need to know that you can still depend on each other and that there is always love there, as this will make the separation much easier to deal with for you both.ADNFCR-2867-ID-801822996-ADNFCR

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