I saw a very good friend from my time in the service for the first time since we both got out. It's been several years and I'm so glad to see him and have him be in good health especially considering everything with COVID-19.
One thing really bothers me though. Talking to him, we both went through tough times transitioning back to civilians. We'd never talked about it before, something about face to face and the wisdom (?) of age helped with that.
Cont.
We could have both realized that we weren't alone in the rough path, but in being stubborn and full of the stupid masculinity that keeps you from talking about feelings, it was needless hardship.
I imagine a lot of do this dumb thing. Because we are incredibly dumb at the time.
Talk to your battle buddies. Not just about sports or that hot chick or how much duty sucks.
Talk to them about the important things in your life, about those things that challenge you.
This is so wise! Really, it is. I'm glad you got to reconnect. And it's good to have somebody who's gone through similar experiences to talk to, that adds a layer of understanding that is precious and rare.
@janallmac thanks. I just wish this wisdom didn't require taking several trips to the school of hard knocks.
But better late than never.
@Hobyrim And if you believe in multiple lives, this advice becomes exponentially more important.
I used to behave as if I had all the time in the world. And now that all the time in the world appears to be running out, I regret.
You get one life. Don't waste years needlessly fighting negative emotions alone because you are too stubborn to share with those who care about you.