Pages

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Why no, I am not grateful!

I am beginning to believe civilians/servicemembers work at being assholes to milspouses.
So far I have been told:

"It's probably a good thing your husband is never around. It helps you focus on working out, instead of sitting on the couch with him watching TV." (when I was explaining that I work out 5x/wk...followed by "You shouldn't swim. It isn't cardio." Note it is listed in the top 5 cardio activities.) I guess it would be pointless to mention I work out for an hour 5x/wk because I am so anxious I would probably collapse under the stress if I didn't distract myself a bit. Plus, I am fat...because I eat too much, because I am stressed all the damn time...
But you're right, I am SOOO LUCKY!

"Your so lucky that your spouse is gone. You can just focus on school." --This is a TOP Idiotic Remark
Right, because I don't ever think about or worry about my spouse. Nor do I arrange my whole life around when he might be available to talk (which often results in be having to work odd hours and never get any damn sleep)...You're right, this is so healthy and wonderful.
Oh and Mr. Masseuse, those knots in my back that you were griping about...those are from worrying about my spouse, my marriage, my education and my family's future, but thanks for being so understanding.

"You should be grateful you and your spouse have spent so much time apart. Lots of couples get sick of each other when they are together." (This was in response to me voicing my concern that we may not be able to make it as a couple if things stay the way they are.)
Anything I say in response to this may be used against me in a court of law.

"If your wife gave up her position and came here, you could spend time with her." (Jefe's boss, in response to our request for leave for my spring break.)
See my response above.

"I totally know how you feel. My bf/spouse/so were separated for X time." --The Classic
Right, that's totally the same. Different coasts, time zones, work schedules, inability to reach your spouse for extended periods...it's totally the same. And even if it were, you've done that for how long? A year? Two? Come back and talk to me when you've been with your SO ~10 yrs and have spent (if you add together any day you may have crossed paths with each other) 1.5ish years together.
Yeah...so enough with the you know EXACTLY how I feel.

And, on a related note: "You're never around any more. Why don't you hang out with us?"
Well, hmmm, how do I answer this?
You see, I am REALLY depressed and I have a CNS reaction to antidepressants, which means there is no relief from my depression.
Realizing I am not graduating in May is just depression times 1000. It means there is ZERO chance of spending time with my spouse in the near future. That would be "fine" if I didn't feel like my marriage has been sliding into the shitter for at least a year now (it's been longer, but denial is a powerful force).
So, I just don't want to hang out...not even to "commiserate" or have a "shoulder to lean on" (*snort/chortle*), because every hour I spend with you is another hour or 12 I have to spend getting my degree instead of being with my spouse. And yes, I do make time for working out and not for you, because if I didn't I'd be locked in an insane asylum now.
So pardon me for "not being any fun". The fun has been sucked right out of me lately. But you're right, this isn't 1about me, it's all about your comfort, your feelings and your denial of my feelings. (Great shoulder BTW).

So civilians (and servicemembers), do me a favor and stop saying idiotic things. Follow your momma's golden rule: "If you don't have anything nice (or at least intelligent) to say, don't say anything at all."

K? Thnx!

10 comments:

ALC said...

If it makes you feel better, I think it's ok to be frustrated, upset, sad, angry, etc... I'm sorry a majority of people aren't more understanding, BUT there are people out there that care. I know your situation is very unique to you guys. I don't know you personally, but I have been following your blog for a while now, and I'm sure you already know this, but right now, the way things are, it's just a means to an end (the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel). I think both you and Jefe seem to be determined to persevere.


I don't want to sound like one of the jerks you referenced in this post, so I am sorry if I do. If there is ever anything I can do, give me a shout.

Slightly_Rifted said...

Thanks ALC. I would never suggest a milspouse was being a jerk (w/ few notable exceptions). I kind of feel like you guys get it in a way no one else does.
I think I'd be ok if I thought Jefe was ok. He's not. I was in a bad place at the start of this and did it to establish some sanity (haha!) and he was fine. But it turns out he's not so good at being the one left behind. There have been a lot of problems as a result. I felt like as long as I could give him a date that this would be over, we'd make it. Now, that date is gone. I don't have one to replace it and asking someone to tough it out for an indeterminant amount of time is a lot harder. And everyone (and I do mean everyone) he works with on a routine basis are stirring the pot by telling him that I must not love him because I chose this. If I loved him I'd be a good Navy wife and be all barefoot/pregnant/staying-at-home waiting for him all day every day. *beats head against wall*

Sunny said...

I am so sorry this is happening. I hate when people say supposedly helpful things, but they are so clueless. xo

Warrior Wife said...

People suck. Really specific, trying situations suck. I wish people could just *learn* that. I am not going to even pretend to understand what it's been like to be you and Jefe for the past several years. Just know that there are people who believe in you BOTH. You will figure a way out of this hole, but it doesn't matter to me because I will crawl down there to hang out with you until then. Love to you and yours.

Slightly_Rifted said...

Thanks. I know I am being a bit of a whiny bitch and I need to find a way to suck it up and deal. I am just tired.
Jefe finally got in to see a someone today after we had a meltdown at Christmas that I couldn't talk to anyone about. Thank Maud for "Not Alone". I am hoping this helps. The guy is ex-military and, from what I gather, he was having a hard time understanding our situation and why exactly I am off doing my thing. So we'll see how that goes. Hopefully it's full of win.
I think a big part of the problem is that the first 1/2 of our marriage was basically my identity crisis caused by having to give up everything I had worked for and now the second half of our marriage is being dominated by Jefe feeling like the spouse left behind. We all know how hard that feels. Ironically this situation has given me some perspective on how servicemembers deal with deployment...no, it's not the same, but the psychology of leaving your spouse behind is similar. I seem to have the advantage because I have an end game for my career in my head (somewhat) and so I think I have an easier time compartmentalizing that Jefe does right now.
I don't know. I really am worried we won't make it through. I see so many divorced scientists and the fractures seem to turn to faults right in the PhD to early tenure track timeline. I can see why now.

Slightly_Rifted said...

@WW: Thanks. I don't want you to follow me into hell. You've got enough shit on your plate. The last thing I want to do is add to your hectic, crazy, exhausted life. Holy crap woman! You can't be all things for all people.
I'd much prefer you take care of yourself. I worry about you too much.

Amanda said...

People just can't resist saying stupid crap. Seriously. Between being a milspouse and a special needs parent, I think I've heard a good bit of it. Sometimes things suck. We don't all have glitter and rainbows coming out our asses like so many seem to think they do. And I don't know why this is, but it seems like the assholes of any given group seem to be the most vocal these days. It makes society look like it's regressing - or is that just me?

Ann A said...

Theres a sign at work that says "Common sense isn't so common." I need to send you that sign. Hang it up and when people say something, point to the sign. Don't say anything, just point. I do this at work like 5 times a day. LOL And please, vent. There might be other women out there who you inspire or are going through a similar thing who need to know they're not alone.

Slightly_Rifted said...

@Amanda: Not just you, I assure you. I bet you have heard far more than your fair share of asinine comments. I am sorry for that. I hope you know I appreciate your friendship and support.

@Sailor Jane: Why are we not FB friends? I miss chatting with you and I have been very bad at blogging this year.

Ann A said...

I just looked u up on fb but couldnt find you. I wrote u a letter to kansas but i guess udidnt get it. I thought u were mad at me lol

Post a Comment