Homecoming Day
The day you dreamed about is finally here---your loved one is coming home---and you're feeling a mix of euphoria and nervousness. Will you say or do the right things? How is their health? Will your friend or family member be happy with what you've done while they were gone? Are they okay?
Here are some tips to help you and your loved one get through those exciting---and disorienting---first days back.
Keep it low-key.
Give your loved one and yourself a few days to rest and readjust before you throw a homecoming party or invite a large group over. Not sure what to do after that? Put the ball in their court and ask them what they'd like to do for the first few days and weeks.
Go easy.
Keep conversations light for the first few days. Your friend or family member may need to decompress before they're ready to talk about their deployment and deal with daily responsibilities. They may not be ready to pick up their old responsibilities, and you may not be ready to let them, so take your time. When they've had a chance to rest and you've had a chance to take it all in, talk about how you're both feeling. Not sure where to start? Get tips for starting the conversation.
Expect change.
Don't expect things to be exactly the way they were before the deployment---you and your loved one have changed. Be flexible and ready to work through it.
Express your love.
Show your friend or family member that you're happy they're home. Cook their favorite breakfast. Visit your favorite restaurant. And tell them you love them.
Learn more about the transition home:
Learn More
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