I looked back today at my time after I got out, and I realized that I just don't make many lasting friendships with civilians.

Am I broken? Why can't I get along as well with civilians?

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I've been out since 1996 and while I am fine socializing with civilians, I definitely prefer working with vets. The understanding of teamwork, the integrity, and the focus on results just isn't the same with people who never served. And they whine too much. Don't feel bad -- you're part of a club with substance, and you'll make friends from all kinds of backgrounds, but vets will always be easier to get along with.

likeuplifting

I became a manager and fired one of my employees for missing his dental appointment.

Some military things are just SO embedded..

funny

When I first got out I noticed myself constantly trying to force the social etiquette of the Army on civilians. It took effort to realize I'm entering their world so I shouldn't feel entitled to impose the rules of my old world on them. Especially when their norms are probably more effective for their environment. Was a bit of an ego check. Maybe it's the same thing.

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It’s a different beast. Who have you been trying to make friends with- neighbors, co-workers, etc? I’ve found that co-workers generally keep work separate and don’t want to be friends. The exception is younger/single people who are more open to socializing. Neighbors are hit or miss just have to feel it out. I had more luck with Meetups because I met people who had similar interests (outdoors, camping, hiking, etc). Also, check in on how often you talk about the military. Civs don’t get it and may disengage because they can’t relate. Good luck.

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I have friends, but the vast majority are from before I went in. The friends I make now just seem... superficial, I guess.
Same as the corporate people I work with.
It's about politics and standing and all that crap.

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Ordeals forge bonds. It's not the military, it's the oppressive environment. You're not gonna find the same way to bond while cooking bbq in your backyard with your neighbor, but you might if you become an oil rigger

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Eventually you get lucky and find a group. My group of friends I was friends with before the army so we’ve all been friends 10+ years. But it’s worked for me because we have that exact same camaraderie and sh@t giving that you get from your homies in the military

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There is a lot of that. You just have to wade through it to find people who are interested in something less superficial.

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This is all you need

https://youtube.com/shorts/9-BeN24BfXU?feature=share

I'm a military widow and can sorely relate, and often times feel like I'm in no mans land.

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