Loose Lips

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

As cops, we use the excuse, “They just don’t understand what I go through.” Ever used that one? I’ve never been to the moon, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to listen to an astronaut talk about space exploration. It’s the same thing with LEO couples.

There’s no reason to withhold from each other. This doesn’t mean a massive data dump when you walk through the door after duty, but it also doesn’t mean you should prevent them from the opportunity to share the events (good and bad) in your life.

I can guarantee you’re telling somebody about what happened on duty. It might not be your spouse, but you are talking to a civilian. It’s naturally how we process. The reality is, whoever that person is, even if it’s your high school bud or your parents, they are not your spouse.

Committing to growing a rock-solid 2:24 Unit means placing your spouse as your priority. They will be there long after your partner transfers or that civilian confidant no longer needs you for favors.

If you complain that your loved one doesn’t understand what you’re going through, it’s only because you’ve chosen to stop them from doing so. Fill them in on the good and the bad, and then work together to process it as a 2-as-1 marriage.

CALL TO ACTION:

Talk with your spouse about what levels of sharing each feels comfortable with as it relates to your careers. Some people want to hear the details, while others would prefer to only know you are okay. 

There’s a difference between rehashing and processing. Set boundaries to ensure that the lines of communications remain open without cluttering them with locker room gossip that only continues the drama of the moment without providing for a productive result.