Strategies to preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security
Relationships are important to humans for various reasons; one such reason is that they allow individuals to bond and connect with others who share similar experiences, beliefs, values, interests, and goals.
Maintaining healthy relationships can be challenging especially when the couple is physically distant due to military deployment, work obligations, or studies abroad. This article outlines strategies that help soldiers preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security during prolonged separation.
One strategy is communication. Communication involves expressing thoughts, feelings, concerns, and desires openly and honestly with the partner. While physical presence may not be possible, communication through phone calls, text messages, video chats, letters, or emails can keep couples connected. In addition, sharing stories about daily activities, events, and accomplishments helps maintain interest in each other's lives and reduces the sense of loneliness. It also creates a sense of closeness and connection between partners despite distance.
Another strategy is prioritizing time together. Whenever possible, taking time to visit each other, even if it means traveling long distances, is essential for preserving relational intimacy and continuity. Planning regular visits helps build anticipation and excitement while reducing anxiety associated with separation. Couples can explore new places, participate in fun activities, and create memorable moments together. Sharing these experiences reinforces the relationship and provides opportunities for growth.
Practicing patience and understanding is critical for preserving relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security. Military personnel are often faced with stressful situations that affect their mental health; thus, showing empathy, compassion, and support towards them goes a long way in strengthening relationships. Being flexible and accommodating during difficult times shows commitment and care, which boosts trust and loyalty in the relationship.
Establishing new routines and traditions is another strategy to preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security.
Setting up a weekly date night ritual where partners share dinner and talk about their day allows them to bond and stay engaged. Creating shared goals like saving money or achieving milestones further cements the relationship as they work towards common objectives.
Engaging in hobbies together, such as cooking or exercising, promotes active communication and intimacy.
Maintaining physical closeness through touch and affectionate gestures helps preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security. Holding hands, kissing, or giving a warm hug even when separated creates a sense of closeness and connection between partners. Touch also releases oxytocin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of love and attachment. Expressions of gratitude and appreciation, such as sending thoughtful messages or leaving little notes, reinforces the importance of each partner's contributions to the relationship.
Soldiers can adopt strategies like communication, prioritizing time together, practicing patience and understanding, establishing new routines and traditions, and maintaining physical closeness to preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security despite prolonged separation. These strategies require effort and commitment but are worth it for healthy and fulfilling relationships.
What strategies help soldiers preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security during prolonged separation?
One strategy that helps soldiers preserve relational intimacy, continuity, and emotional security during prolonged separation is maintaining open communication with their loved ones through various means such as phone calls, video chats, emails, letters, and social media platforms. Another strategy is staying connected with others in the unit or other individuals who share similar experiences to create a support system where they can express themselves freely.