3 Reasons You Should go to The Ball When Your Spouse is Deployed

[Briana Hartzell USAA]

In total, I have attended 9 military balls. I am lucky my spouse has been away for only two of those occurrences! This year, he will be deployed aboard the USS Nimitz, and I plan on going solo again (you only live once, right?). The ball in the photo below, I was 8 months pregnant. I admit, I had second thoughts about putting on a dress being the size of a small ship, but it was a lot of fun and I indulged in extra cake without a second glance from anyone!

 

Here is why you should strongly consider attending the ball even when your spouse, partner or date is deployed:

1. Find Comradery - While you are not spending a nice date night out with your spouse, look at this as an evening out with friends. These friends who know exactly how you feel about having your spouse deployed and can be part of your support system. Even if you don’t know anyone well, this is the perfect opportunity to seek out the other “singles”, and strike up a conversation. You won’t realize how much you needed to laugh, to have dinner out, to dance like no one is watching (except- please never forget there is always someone watching!)
    
2. Experience a Break - It is easy to get caught in what I call the ‘family bubble’ when your spouse is away. It is a good place to be, focusing on taking care of you and your family, but after a while, it can be a bit alienating. Step out of your comfort zone and spend time with other women and men who are experiencing the same responsibilities. You have been handling the home front solo and you deserve a break! Talk to you spouse about going, ask them how they feel about you going. Chances are they will support your desire to have a night with friends and fellowship. If you all are in agreement, go ahead and hire a babysitter and get gussied up for a night!
   
   
3. Fear of Missing Out - FOMO- The last thing you want is to feel is regret the next day looking at pictures of your spouse’s group, FRG, etc., knowing you missed out on an enjoyable evening.

Attending the ball without your spouse is NOT the same. If you set expectations (with yourself and your spouse who is away), acknowledge you will be dancing solo (you won’t be the only one!), and won’t have your spouse there as a buffer when you forget someone’s name (guilty), you can and will have fun!

Have you attended a function without your spouse or significant other? How did you make the most of it? Would you do it again? Please share your experience in the comments (Bonus if you share a picture!!)

Related Posts:

Happy Birthday Army

YOLO: Going Solo to a Ball

About the Blogger: Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, mother to two beautiful girls (3 years and 1 year), a former full time USAA employee and a graduate of Texas A&M University. Briana writes at Being Briana, a blog focused on the joys that military life and parenthood can bring.