6 ways you know you’re married to a veteran

Being married to someone who dedicated a portion of his life in service to our great nation is something of which I'm incredibly proud. I spent the better part of my adult life supporting his service and I would do it all again because I love him and believe his choice to join the Marine Corps was honorable and brave.

But even now, 18 months after his retirement, there are things that happen in our daily lives that make me smile because I am certain they're completely foreign to my friends who are married to "civilians." These are 6 such things:

6. You've ever had to say, "don't you knife hand me!"

I might say this at least once a week. Okay, once a day. That knife hand is fierce and even my 5-year-old will employ it from time to time. Oorah.

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Related: 4 things you should never say to a military spouse

5. You are 15 minutes early to everything.

And even then, my husband is stressed out. After all, if you are on time, you're late. I'm not mad at this one (most days). My teenager has also learned this life skill and will do just about anything not to be "on time."

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4. There is green gear everywhere.

Even though he's no longer active duty, we still have duffle bags, green socks that I swear multiply if they get wet after midnight, paracords, backpacks, and those little black, clicky pens. Everywhere. And don't even think about trying to get rid of those green t-shirts. Just don't do it.

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3. Your spouse, before bedtime, says, "I'm gonna go check the perimeter."

Firearm strapped to his hip, my husband will go check the perimeter just to make sure we are all safe. I love this, but I don't think any of my non-military spouse friends get this level of security each night. I'll take it.

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2. When you can't watch military films or TV shows...

We'll settle in for a great movie or TV show that has something to do with the military. Then, like clockwork, he pauses the DVR. "First of all... that ribbon is in the wrong place. And look at those stripes! No way does an E-5 have that many years of service. Who is advising this film?!"

Every. Time.

Also read: This is why there's no excuse for Hollywood to screw up military uniforms

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1. That face.

You know the one I am talking about. When a movie, TV show, or really great military-related commercial comes on and it touches your veteran. You look over and he/she is biting that bottom lip just slightly, eyes are welling a bit, but they are trying hard not to cry.

You realize it has reminded them of someone who didn't come home or an experience they may never feel ready to share and you're reminded of just how incredible your spouse is for signing on that line and agreeing to pay the ultimate price for our country.

And then you say a little prayer of thanks that your spouse is one of the lucky ones.

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