Confused Navy Girlfriend...

I've been with my sailor for over a year now, been with him since before bootcamp and A-school and now he's about to start Power school. He's never seen battle- thank God- and he's not stationed overseas but he is far from home. It's difficult being away from him, hard to cope sometimes with him being so far, but how can you tell when it's the physical distance that's killing the relationship and not some sort of emotional distance?

Sometimes it's as if I'm not his girlfriend, just one of a million and not one in a million. He gets distant, barely says anything to me even if he's free. Sometimes he doesn't even say, "I love you" and when it does it's hard to tell if he means it. He came home on leave and I could feel that he meant it every time, but even when he was home, it felt like there was something up. He's either too proud or too afraid to talk.

I'm not sure what to do. The natural him is distant with everyone but me yet I fear I've been creeping closer and closer into the territory of just being another civilian. What do I do? How to I keep him from slipping away? He's brought so much into my life, joy, pride and love, that I will fight to keep him in my life. I just don't know what to do.

Anything anyone can do is much obliged...

The military changes everyone. He may not be able to express himself as you would like on the phone due to whathe doing at the time or where he is doing it. With schooling, I am sure he has a lot on his plate right now. If he is as dedicated to you as you are to him it will work its way out. Give him time

If he doesn't say he's leaving..or hints that he's leaving. He's not leaving. I agree with Matt. Give him time, he's got more on his mind than just you. You are his world, but not his center of attention. He is concerned with work at this time.

The military life is not easy and not for everyone. Understanding that will help in the long run. I am not a soldier (my fianc� is) but I can only imagine that the things they see and go through would change anyones perspective in life, it has change me. Accepting to be part of a soldier's life is a big responsibility. Just as it is difficult for you to be in a long distance relationship it is difficult for them to be far from home. Stay strong for both of you. He might not tell you he needs you but your support, love and reassurance is what keeps him going.

I have a long-distance relationship with my soldier. (He is currently in Iraq, but station in Fort Stewart GA and I live in California). Others are always telling him things like, "you know she's screwing someone else". He is not afraid to tell me his concerns but most guys keep it to themselves and become distant.

Let him know that you are there for him now and always. If you feel the relationship is rocky, wait until you see him again and talk with him. The last thing a soldier needs to hear while away is that they are losing someone who means a lot to them and they can't do nothing about it cause they are to far. Its a challenge for them to balance a long-distance relationship and the military life.