Strategies for Reintegrating Sexual Intimacy After Deployment
Deployment is often a difficult time for military couples due to frequent separations and stressors such as combat exposure. According to research, up to one third of deployed spouses report difficulties in their relationship, including decreased satisfaction and increased arguments, compared to non-deployed counterparts. Therefore, it is important that strategies are put into place to reintegrate sexual and emotional intimacy after deployment-related relational disruption.
One strategy for supporting the reintegration of sexual intimacy is establishing clear communication between partners about expectations and desires. Military couples should discuss what they want from each other during reintegration, including frequency, location, and type of physical contact. They should also be open and honest about how their deployment experience affected them emotionally and physically, which may impact their sexual appetite or desire. This can help prevent misunderstandings and increase trust.
Sharing feelings and thoughts related to the deployment experience can promote healing and understanding.
Another strategy is setting realistic goals for sexual intimacy after deployment. Couples should avoid placing pressure on themselves or their partner to immediately resume normal levels of intimacy. Instead, they should focus on small steps toward reestablishing closeness through touch, massages, or talking openly about past experiences.
This can lead to greater comfort and ease within the relationship.
It is also helpful for military couples to practice self-care and prioritize emotional connection with their partners outside of sexual intimacy. This includes activities like regular date nights, physical exercise, and sharing hobbies. These activities can create a stronger bond and reduce stressors that can negatively impact sexual intimacy. It is important to note that sexual intimacy does not have to mean intercourse - it can include kissing, cuddling, and holding hands.
Military couples should seek professional support if needed, such as marriage counseling or sex therapy. A trained therapist can provide guidance and tools to overcome challenges in communication and intimacy, and assist in resolving conflicts that arise. Therapy can help establish healthy boundaries and expectations between partners while providing a safe space to discuss sensitive topics.
Reintegrating sexual and emotional intimacy after deployment requires strategic planning and patience. Establishing clear communication, setting achievable goals, practicing self-care, seeking support when necessary, and engaging in non-sexual activities together are all effective ways to promote successful reconnection. By implementing these strategies, deployed spouses can rebuild trust and intimacy in their relationships, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life post-deployment.
What strategies support the reintegration of sexual and emotional intimacy after deployment-related relational disruption?
Researchers suggest that several strategies can help couples overcome the challenges of reintegrating sexually and emotionally after deployment-related relationship disruptions. One such strategy is communication (Garland & Cohen, 2015). Couples who have been separated for an extended period may need to work on rebuilding their communication skills, as they have likely developed different ways of interacting with each other during the separation.