Strategies for the returning soldier
- Realize that most people don’t know as much about the military as you do. Be patient if they don’t understand your point of view.
For example:
“I understand that you have not gone through what I have, and that is okay.” - Be specific when something is bothering you.
For example:
Rather than saying, “You never listen to me!” you could say,
“I get frustrated when you’re text messaging other people while I’m trying to talk to you.” - Tell people what they can do to help.
For example:
“I need to talk about some things. Do you have some time now to listen?”
“I know that you’re trying to be helpful when you give advice, but when you interrupt, I can’t say what I want to say. If you could just listen for now, it would help a lot.”
“Thanks for listening – it helps when I can get things off my chest.” - Notice the “little things” someone is doing to support you. Many people have a hard time showing that they care.
For example: taking the kids to the park so you can take a nap; offering to run errands; making a special meal; doing household chores; being affectionate; giving you space.
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