How has it affiected them.
Me and my girlfriend have been together for around 7 to 8 months I have been a firefighter the whole time we have been together. My gf before that I joined the dept 2 years after we got together that broke us up. My gf right now dosnt mind the FD for infact she is part of it to. But I have been told that Im to obssessed with it and it have nearly caused us to break up. so i just wanna see if it has caused anyboy else probs like it has me
I have had similar problems. My girlfriend doesnt mind me being on the FD she is on our ladies auxillary. But we have had many fights about the amount of time I spend doing things for the department. Since she doesnt respond to calls she dont realize that when the pager goes off that I feel obligated to go if I am available especially when I know that very few other members are around or able to respond. I am also the captain in charge of the equipment so I really feel obligated to do my weekly inspections knowing that if I dont it could mean life or death for anybody using it. I think she understands how I feel because she never takes it to the point where its her or the FD. I think she just wants me to remember shes there too. I hope everything works out for you and your girlfriend.
If being a firefighter is your job, and you were doing it before meeting the GF? She can't really compain that much! If you're a vol, then it has to be this way: #1 - family #2 - job #3 - volunteering
But having said that, if someone takes up with a firefighter, they have to realise that it's more than just a job, more than just a hobby. But never forget the other half - if you have a busy time with the FD, try to make some more time for her.
There you are, I'm a good fence-sitter! But it is a balancing job, and we have to learn how to be jugglers. Well, not me, I live alone :)