Just a little back info, in my country, all boy from the age of 18 are required to serve a compulsory two years National Service (NS). In this two years, they will be sent to either the Army, the Police force or the Civil Defence force. My boy is one of the lucky few chosen to go into Police and it's comparable to "winning the NS lottery" .I've heard Police training is more relaxed than Army but still. It's not going to be easy.
Boys have got the shorter end of the stick. Having to surrender two whole years to the government while girls get to go on to University or work earlier. From an outsider's point of view, it is an absolute burden and real props to the boys who go through it (no matter how much they complain). No one, honestly, would be willing to sacrifice their time for NS. Maybe that's why it's compulsory, haha.
I can't say I know what goes on behind the walls of NS. I definitely would not be able to cope with the vigorous activities every single bloody day so again, props to the lot of you. I can't say that I want to either. But on the bright side, boys get to defend the country, yay. (And if you're wondering why boys, it probably stemmed from the stigma that boys are macho and manly and need to protect their women and children, and even territory. It's an image commonly portrayed in society that men work and women should stay home to raise the children. Though not so much now, in the 21st Century. But many of our ancestors believed so and from there did the whole "let men serve the country, let women serve the men" start.)
Though I can't pretend to know what they face, I do know that this obstacle called NS is a big one to teenage couples. The boy goes in and he can only book out every Friday. He will be spent and will want to enjoy his weekend. Bottom line is, couples will be spending lesser and lesser time together during this period.
I can't say I've not heard of one too many NS breakup stories. Long story short, girl doesn't like boy not spending time with her and leaves him. Personally, I don't understand that. He's tired. He's had a physically tiring week. Can't you lay off him and give him the break he deserves?
Speaking as a girl whose boyfriend hasn't enlisted yet and these are only stories, I'm in no position to say so much either. I understand that he'll be tired and I understand that he won't want to go out and have fun as much as we used to. I understand, and yet I'm scared.
How not to be worried? I'm scared that he'll over exert himself in there, I'm scared he won't be able to eat the food (he's SO picky). I'm scared that he'll get homesick, I'm scared that he won't be able to sleep. (I reckon I baby him too much haha). I'm scared that when he does book out he doesn't want to spend time with me at all. I'm scared that this NS lark would drive an awkward wedge between us.
I accept that I'm scared and I accept these feelings with grace. I may be scared but yet, I still want to be here for him. I want to give him support (coz that's the best that I can do) and I want to show my support instead of just talking. Action speaks louder than words and to NS, I say; bring it on.
It will be difficult, yes. There will be times when he won't be able to contact me. I can't go running to him when I'm upset or in trouble. He won't be there physically to hold me or to kiss me.
But, we're still under the same sky. We're still under the same sun and moon. When he looks up into the clouds, I will be looking too. I may not be there with him physically, nor him me, but our souls are intertwined and I believe that we will support each other in heart.
Anyway, after his NS, comes a new chapter in our lives; University. Truth be told, I can't wait for that. Get past this obstacle first then it'll be time to write a new chapter.
xoxo
Nicabeth
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