Combat Vet Bf Different Opinions

[fuzzy]

My boyfriend and I have been dating for 4 years this Thursday. He is a Marine who served 2 years in combat. We've had similar issues before however tonight I dont know what happened. He asked me how I felt about a hypotheitcal draft and I responded honestly. I said I dont think it would happen because I believe enough people would be willing to go to war and that even if I was drafted I would do no good because I dont believe I have the mental capacity to deal with a war. If anything I was belittling myself and he got very angry said I cant call myself american, and that he had lost a whole level of respect for me. I did not belittle anyone elses choices or mock anything but simply expressed my honest opinion, did I say something I shouldnt have? He got angry and did not want to talk about it. I asked if he could respect me for a moment and at least talk about how he handled this by talking "at" me not "to" me and he wouldnt. How should I work things out if he cant respect me? I respect him for serving our country but isnt part of what makes our country great the ability to have and discuss our opinions

 

[Stacey85]

I'm sorry :( He may just have some resentment for what he's dealt with. I'm not sure, I'm no expert by any means. I had talked about serving maybe in the Air Force, and my husband literally forbid me (which is NOT like him) and now that he's seen the things he's seen (he's Army) I really think he would be against me even bringing it up. The service is not for everyone. A lot of people join because they think it's going to be an easy paycheck, and have the mentality that "Oh, I won't deploy... Easy ride" THOSE are the ones to not be given any respect.

I would give it a few days and calmly ask him why he got upset with you, and explain his way of thinking on it. I don't think it's you, I think it may just be things he's still dealing with. As a supporter, I'm learning sometimes there's just nothing I can do when he is having a bad day, but try to understand, and give him his space.

 

[anthony]

I think the problem is not yours, and his to own. As your title says, it is your opinion, and he doesn't respect that. He wants you to adopt his opinion as being the right one... and opinions are neither right nor wrong, they are personal beliefs, assumptions, knowledge, based on each persons environmental growth.