-
Talk about
your upcoming separation. Set aside some quiet time to talk
about your feelings and plan how each of you will manage during
your time apart.
-
Discuss how
you will stay in touch. Explore the available options, such as
e-mail, phone calls, and regular mail.
-
Keep busy and
stay active if you are the at-home spouse. The more fulfilled
you feel, the better you will handle separations and difficult
times. (Of course, if you have children you won't have concerns
about not being busy.)
-
Share daily
happenings from home. Hearing about your life (even the
everyday routine) will help your deployed spouse feel closer to
you.
-
Learn about
your spouse's job and other interests. Learning what your
spouse's life is like will help you better understand his or her
experiences while you are apart.
-
Send care
packages. Be sure to include special treats, funny notes, and
items that have special meaning for the two of you.
-
Record your
thoughts in a journal to share with your spouse. You may want
to keep an online journal with pictures for your spouse to access
over the Internet.
-
Record a tape
or CD with songs that remind you of your spouse. Make a copy
for each of you.
-
Send handmade
coupons to your deployed spouse. Your coupons might be for a
special dinner or hour-long backrub when your partner returns
home.
-
Be realistic
about communication. Keep in mind that your deployed spouse
may be in an area with limited mail or e-mail service, or too busy
to respond right away.
