Rebuilding Sexual Trust After Military Separation, Deployment, Or Trauma
Military life is full of challenges that can put strain on even the strongest marriages. But one of the most difficult things for couples to overcome is the emotional toll of separation, deployment, or exposure to trauma during military service. These experiences can make it hard for couples to rebuild trust and intimacy when they return home. In this article, we will explore how military couples can work together to rebuild their sexual relationship after such events.
Communicating About Emotions And Expectations
One of the first steps towards building sexual trust is communication. Military couples should talk openly about their feelings and expectations for each other's behavior before, during, and after deployment or separation. This includes discussing what kinds of physical touch are acceptable, how often they want to be intimate, and whether or not they plan to have sex while apart. It also means talking honestly about past relationships and being transparent about any struggles with sexuality or intimacy in those relationships. By communicating clearly and setting mutual expectations, couples can build a foundation of trust that allows them to feel more secure and comfortable as they move forward.
Prioritizing Physical Touch And Intimacy
Another important step in rebuilding sexual trust is prioritizing physical touch and intimacy. Even if couples decide to abstain from sex until they reunite, they should still prioritize holding hands, hugging, cuddling, and kissing. These activities create opportunities for closeness and connection that help restore emotional bonds. They also send positive signals about the couple's desire to stay connected despite distance or stressors. Taking time to enjoy these simple pleasures helps couples feel more connected and fulfilled emotionally, which sets the stage for better sexual encounters when they resume intimacy later on.
Building Trust Through Patience And Kindness
Rebuilding sexual trust takes time and patience. Couples may need to work through anxiety or shame related to previous experiences or trauma before feeling safe enough to engage in physical intimacy again. They might need extra reassurance or support during this process. Military couples should strive to show kindness, understanding, and compassion towards each other throughout this journey by listening carefully, validating feelings, offering praise and encouragement, and respecting boundaries. This creates an environment where both partners feel seen, heard, and valued – all essential ingredients for restoring trust.
Practicing Self-Care And Focusing On Communication
Self-care is crucial for military couples who want to improve their sexual relationship after separation, deployment, or trauma exposure. Both individuals should take steps to maintain healthy habits, including getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and seeking professional support if needed. They should also prioritize communication with one another about what they need during this challenging time.
One partner may benefit from reading a book together while on separate deployments, while the other prefers writing letters. By working together to create a sense of emotional security and mutual understanding, couples can begin to build greater trust in their sexual connection over time.
Addressing Potential Issues As They Arise
It's important for military couples to address potential issues as they arise rather than letting them fester. If either partner feels uncomfortable with certain aspects of physical intimacy or has difficulty expressing themselves sexually, they should discuss those concerns openly and honestly with each other. Couples should be willing to try new things, explore different positions or activities, and experiment until they find what works best for them both. With patience, kindness, and honesty, even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome and sexual trust can be restored.
How do military couples rebuild sexual trust after separation, deployment, or exposure to trauma?
Military couples often face significant challenges when it comes to rebuilding sexual intimacy after experiencing prolonged separation or exposure to stressful experiences such as combat or traumatic events. Building and maintaining trust in any relationship is crucial, but for military partners, it can be especially difficult due to unique factors such as physical and emotional distance, changes in roles and responsibilities, and the impact of trauma on both individuals.