How do you do it? Written by: Allie Dubuc

I'm asked this question almost every day. With my boyfriend being overseas and in the Marine Corps, life is anything but ordinary for our relationship.

Many people look at our relationship and shoot straight for the negative side of things. They express their belief that things won't work out or they think our relationship is a joke. Then there's people, like both of our families, who give us 110% support through it all. Seeing other people believe in us, makes us work that much harder to make sure things work in our favor.

There are a few days where I wake up mad. Mad because I have to go through yet another day without my best friend. Mad because I hate having to miss someone so important to me every single day. Mad because I know he won't be here for important events, like birthdays, holidays, and just little day to day activities.

But as for all the other days, I wake up so thankful. Thankful to share in uncontrollable laughter over things that aren't even that funny. Thankful to have someone that no matter if he's sitting right next to me or if he's 7,000+ miles away, he still manages to make sure there is a smile on my face 24/7. Most importantly, thankful to have a man who loves me more than I love myself.

Our military journey has been much easier than expected because we both support each other in everything we do. I am going down my own path being in college and I'm so thankful to have my boyfriend's support. With every stressed out and crying over school phone call, he does all he can to motivate me to keep pushing forward.

So how is it? How do I do it? I just do it. I could sit here and cry everyday he's gone because missing him is the worst feeling. But why would I do that? I do my best to stay positive and keep myself busy. I don't allow myself to cry often over missing him because I know he'll be back soon. If you allow yourself to get down about your significant other being away, then the time spent apart will be much harder. Staying positive helps you see the good in every situation. This journey is what you and your partner make of it, so make it the best it can be.

For those with significant others in the military or significant others who travel often, always remember that years from now, you will look back on the lonely nights and you will embrace the time you spend together. You will realize that the times you may have thought, "I can't do this," will be over and you made it through the toughest part. You will know the pain of being apart from your other half for long periods of time and you will get to cherish every second of loving them.

No matter how hard it gets, stay strong. You will make it through!

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