Would I Do It Again?

For whatever reason, when I listen to Dave Barnes' instrumental version of "On A Night Like This," I'm always inspired. It makes me think and half the time, I daydream about being in an old rustic barn filled with white lights and all my friends and family watching me slow dance with the man of my dreams. I know. I know. Super descriptive and crazy romantic.


Anyway, one of many thoughts that crossed my mind while listening to that song on loop was this...


"Would I do this all over again?"
Translation: Would I ever be with another military man again?


First, I'll start by saying I've learned to never say never. When you say that, God laughs and throws you a curve ball. So, I won't say never. BUT, I will say I can't really imagine it.


I know there are great men out there who serve our nation proudly. Men who respect their wives and love them as they are supposed to. For me, the risk is far too great. I loved someone who was at one time that guy. Then he went to war and came back a monster. I never want to experience that ever again.


If I end up back in DC, the odds of dating a uniformed man are seriously more than 50/50. The DC area is home to several military bases and I'm pretty sure 95% of the guys I knew while living there, had at one time been active duty. Not to mention the fact that my dream job consists of being surrounded by them all day long. Not like that.


BUT...if there's one thing I do know, it's that we choose who we want to be with and I do not see myself choosing another man in uniform. I just don't. I feel like I've been there, done that, and have the scarlet letter to prove it. It's not as romantic as it seems and spending a year or more away from someone you love is just plain not awesome.


Still, I always applaud the many women (and men) I know who do just that. They love and dedicate their lives to being with someone in uniform. It's a whole different life.