This is what it's like to be a police officer or LEO's spouse

Marriage is hard, period. In today's world where 50% of all marriages end in divorce, there's another surprising statistic lurking right behind it. Police or law enforcement officers' marriages are even more at risk and the reason seems pretty obvious.

Here are 5 realities that cops' or law enforcement officers' spouses have to deal with on a regular basis:

1. You wait, and wait, and wait . . .

Whether they're on call, in a strategic role or on patrol, police officers work odd hours. There is no 9 to 5, and you can forget about weekends. Not only that, but these people are dedicated, hardworking and committed! They work long hours and are always ready to lend a hand, so overtime is a concept spouses need to get accustomed to. 

It takes strong values and integrity to do their job, and the majority are passionate about protecting and serving their community. As a spouse, you need to get used to the fact that their bedtime will be your morning at least once in a while and they're always ready to jump into the action.

It takes patience to be a police or law enforcement officer's spouse, but when they do have time off, they're just as dedicated to you as they are to the Blue.

2. Holidays, shmolidays

On top of the erratic hours, cops don't get to enjoy holidays like the rest of us do. Especially in their earlier years of service, you can expect them to miss Christmas, New Years, and the 4th of July.

As a spouse, you learn that dates don't mean anything: who says you have to spend Christmas on the 25th of December? You have to be flexible, and accommodate as much as possible. Move things around, celebrate a few days early or a few days late. It's a much better alternative than being alone.

3. His relationship with his partner is like nothing you will ever experience or understand

When you're a cop, you put your life in the hands of your coworkers. In any situation, you need to know and trust that your team has your back. That's why it's so important that they strengthen those bonds into friendships with regular activities.

But a cop's relationship with his partner is something else: they spend more time with this person than with their family! A good partner becomes family, and rightfully so. You'll notice they almost have a kind of secret language with obscure inside jokes and made-up expressions you will simply never understand.

As a spouse, you'll learn to laugh at their quirks and probably get just as close to your cop spouse's partner yourself. You might even notice that you have a lot more in common than you thought!

4. You Never Stop Worrying

Sure, after a few years, you might get used to the fact that your spouse literally throws themselves right into the heart of the action (and dangerous situations). As you get to know their partner and their team, you'll realize that they're in good hands, but that won't always be enough to curb the anxiety.

Every once in a while, it'll creep up on you when he's too busy on a call to let you know he'll be late coming home.

5. Your political opinions and views change

Once of the most surprising things about becoming a cop's spouse is when you become so much more aware of the realities cops and LEOs go through on a daily basis. The majority of the population takes law enforcement for granted. They can be unhappy if you're too present or not present enough - it's a pretty tough balance to strike.

Not to mention that when push comes to shove, you end up with only one thing in mind: come hell or high water, they better make it back home. It can be a little scary to realize that you don't care what it take, as long as they make it back into your arms safe and sound.

The Best Spouse You'll Ever Have

Throughout the sacrifices and the anxiety, one thing shines through: they are the most dedicated spouses and parents.

There's nothing like being married to a real life superhero and that's why the hardships are so, so worth it!