Relationship Starting Over As Friends? Need Advice...

[Pakadlangitok]

Marines are special. I know several, and it is true. Once a Marine, always a Marine for many. However, there are others who feel terribly betrayed by the Gvt. Where does he fit in?

Does he still embrace his service or is it now something that leave him feeling betrayed?

I dated a Vietnam Vet for a long time. I saw a lot and knew what it is like to want to understand something you can't.

What I found helpful was to learn as much as I could about their service and their friends and that bond that they had no matter what. I must say, I envied that bond.

It did not last for us because of many reasons, but I was proud to be part of their life.

 

[Jillyfromtheblock]

Does he still embrace his service or is it now something that leave him feeling betrayed?

I think a little of both... he's never wanted to be anything BUT a Marine & he feels lost without that in his life, so when they discharged him, it was definitely a betrayal & it triggered his PTSD. At the same time, if by some MIRACLE (that will never happen) he could fully recover & somehow re-enlist, he would in a heartbeat, even though they are the cause of all this misery he's been through all these years...

 

[Pakadlangitok]

I think a little of both... he's never wanted to be anything BUT a Marine & he feels lost wit...

That is exactly what I have seen! I have a little nephew (well, he is 16) and ALL he wants is to join the Marines and I tell him be careful!!! On the one hand, it is so dangerous, but on the other, it is like a lifelong bond. How many of us have that? I admire that bond they have. No matter what, they are brave and very good people.