by Jan Castagnaro

Created on: July 29, 2009   Last Updated: January 12, 2010

The Best Ways to Stay in Touch with Your Military Spouse

Being married to someone in any branch of the United States military definitely comes with its share of hardship and stress. There are extended duty hours to contend with, temporary assignments that take them away from the family unit for short periods of time, remote tours that take them away for a year, and then there is deployment. Marrying a soldier does not always create the ideal conditions to grow and fortify a healthy relationship, although, it is not something that cannot be achieved.

The key to success is rooted in the type of relationship you develop before it is hit with stressful transitions like deployments. If open and trustful communication is poured into the foundation of the marriage, it will go along way toward helping you stay in touch with your military spouse.

Communication is an important attribute in any marriage, but for a military marriage, it is definitely put to the test. The ability to communicate and stay in touch with your military spouse is not just a morale booster for the soldier, but also boosts morale on the home-front. Speaking from 20 years of experience, even a few seconds of communication in times of his absence can chase away the pangs of loneliness and replace it with a healthy glow of joy. But, what are the best ways to stay in touch with your military spouse?

There are some easy ways to keep communication alive and well in a military marriage, and it does not always involve every day contact. Before your soldier goes away, make some time to create photo albums. Both of you can search through photos you have taken to capture memorable moments in the timeline of your relationship.

Then, fill two small photo albums with pictures each of you would like the other to look at when having those "Missing you something awful" moments. Also, think about the fun you two will have sifting through old memories. Photo memories are a good way to keep in touch because the memories are reflection of the bond the couple shares.

Create a website, blog or join a social networking site through one of the military websites designed for soldiers and their families. Most branches of the military are offering social networking venues that are similar to Facebook and Myspace only they are more secure and enforce OPSEC, which is something every military family needs to learn and practice, especially online.

Websites, blogs and social network sites are a good way to keep each other up-to-date,

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