The communication may be minimal and sporadic and the time spent waiting in between can lead to stress that ruins what time you do get to talk. It may be difficult, but it isn’t impossible.

Here are some things you can do to keep the romance throughout a deployment:

Day-to-Day Snippets

A way to keep your spouse connected to the home-life is to take pictures throughout one of your days. Compile them into a small book or newsletter with explanations of what was going on or how you were thinking about them.

Memory Collage

Pick a theme of good memories you had together. Compile pictures, tickets, notes and other items and make a collage. After you have a masterpiece, write a story about the memories or a story to make a future memory. Not only will this remind them of some of your best times together, but it will also remind them of what they love about you and get them ready to come home and make more memories.

Themed Scavenger Hunt

Decide on something that your spouse likes, such as a color or a specific object. Then when you’re out doing your day-to-day activities, you can snap a photo or purchase anything that relates to it. Send it in a care package and double up not only on giving them what they enjoy, but also show them how often you think of them.

Sleep Aids

Having a piece of your spouse’s clothing is just a sentimental way of comforting each other across the miles. Before they leave, send them with their favorite shirt of yours and keep one of theirs to sleep with. You can also decorate a special pillowcase with pictures, lyrics, quotes or whatever else is special between the two of you.

Hand Tracing

Sometimes there are moments when you wish you could just hold their hand. Have your spouse trace their hand before leaving and send them with a tracing of your own. It’s a small gesture but can help to ease separation anxiety.

Hidden Notes

Hiding notes throughout your spouse’s bag before they leave gives them surprises to find when you’re apart. If you’re being deployed, you can hide notes around the house. When you two need a pick-me-up, you two can give each other hints as to where you’ve hidden “the goods.”

Employ a Partner in Crime

If you know another veteran being deployed with your spouse, give him or her a stack of letters to distribute to your spouse throughout the deployment. They will be by their side and can distinguish the times when they feel your spouse could use some love. If you’re the one being deployed, you can do the same with a neighbor or family member near your spouse.

Jar of Notes

If you don’t have a partner in crime, leave notes for your spouse to pull out at their own discretion by filling a jar with encouraging notes and memories.

Cutesy Coupons

Show your spouse how much you look forward to them coming home by sending coupons they can redeem when they return. Perhaps they can be for a date to his favorite restaurant, cooking his favorite meal, a back rub or whatever else your spouse may enjoy.

Photo thanks to DVIDSHUB via Flickr Creative Commons

Here are some good places to consider when looking for companionship:

Organized Interest Groups

• Your public library more than likely offers organized book clubs. Not only can you entertain your brain, but you can also have regularly scheduled social interaction.
• Churches commonly offer Bible studies, women and men’s groups, youth groups and multiple volunteer opportunities in and outside the church. You can explore the choir and band or do outreach while meeting others with similar interests.
• Check out your local craft store, YMCA or other local community building for postings on hobby groups or classes. Even if you don’t have a specific hobby you love, you can learn a new craft and meet friends by joining a group.

Playgroups

• If you have children, you can find other parents through websites like Mommy and Me and Daddy and Me. There are age-specific groups such as Mothers of Preschoolers to draw even more similarities to others parents. Do a search for your area and start networking. Perhaps you can even work out a babysitting deal for those special date nights with your spouse!

Gym or Sports League

• The gym can be more of a social place than most think. There are often exercise classes you can attend, or you can strike up a conversation while stretching or lifting weights. Put yourself out there—chances are, you’ll see the same people as you continue your membership.
• Join a bowling league or some other sports league offered in your community. The competitive camaraderie can be a great bonding experience.

Volunteer

• MilServe and Serve.gov are two sources for volunteer opportunities in and outside of the military. Participate in a great cause while meeting great people.

Classes

• The military offers financial benefits when it comes to getting a higher education. You can earn your degree and use your classes to meet new friends. Extend those social interactions by joining study groups or discussions outside the classroom.
• The military also offers classes and groups around military base actions, such as deployment. Participate in all that’s offered and use your Family Readiness Groups and briefings to meet people in similar situations.

Part-time Job

• Jobs are a way to bond with coworkers, but choosing a social environment such as a coffee shop is a way to create even more social opportunities.

Your Neighborhood

• Just by walking your dog or going to a park gets you out in the community. Greet your neighbors and introduce yourself to everyone you meet. Chances are they’re in or were in the same position as you.

Photo thanks to cristiano_betta via Flickr Creative Commons