Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

Simone Gorrindo: The Cost of Love and Duty

9 snips
Apr 8, 2025
Simone Gorrindo, a journalist and author of 'The Wives,' shares her journey as a military spouse in a world she never expected. She discusses the emotional complexities of love and duty, revealing how her partner's military service reshaped her identity. The conversation dives into the loneliness of waiting, the necessity of resilience, and the importance of community support. Gorrindo reflects on the sacrifices that come with love, emphasizing the balance between personal and shared responsibilities in relationships that demand constant adaptation.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Military Path

  • Simone Gorrindo's husband, Andrew, casually mentioned joining the military, prompting her immediate reaction: "I would leave you."
  • This stemmed from her fear of loneliness and societal narratives of military spouses' constant waiting.
INSIGHT

Book Knowledge vs. Lived Experience

  • Simone's research on military life didn't match the reality of living it, especially the complexities of interpersonal relationships within the military community.
  • The military is not a monolith; experiences vary drastically depending on several factors, making prior research less applicable.
ANECDOTE

The Cost of Sacrifice

  • Simone's initial resistance to Andrew's military career stemmed from fear of loneliness, echoing common portrayals of military spouses.
  • This feeling intensified with children, highlighting the impact of a parent's deployment on families and the pressure on spouses to be "strong."
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