Dating & Deployment

I’m a junior in college and part of Navy ROTC, set to commission after graduation. Once I start my career, I’ll have a minimum six-year commitment involving training and deployments at sea, lasting 8–10 months at a time.

I’m unsure if it’s worth pursuing a relationship right now. I worry about the challenges my career would create for a partner—loneliness, limited communication, and the need for independence. I also struggle with the idea of being away and not being able to fully provide, which feels like a core responsibility for me as a man.

Ideally, I want to find a Christian woman who shares my values and is supportive of my career. But I wonder—would someone prefer a partner who’s always there for them over someone who’s often gone? Am I asking for too much? Should I lower my standards?

I’m torn between waiting until my six years are over to focus on a relationship or trying to find someone now who can accept the challenges that come with my lifestyle.

I know I might be overthinking everything but I’m just trying to think about my future.