Couples who have experienced significant changes to their relationship during or following military service may struggle to maintain relational continuity. It is important for both partners to recognize that these shifts can occur and work together to navigate them effectively.
It is helpful for each person to acknowledge their own individual identity changes.
One partner may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury while the other remains healthy and active. This can lead to communication barriers and feelings of isolation within the relationship. By expressing understanding and compassion towards one another's experiences, couples can begin to build trust and create a stronger bond.
Couples should also consider how their expectations around intimacy have changed due to new physical limitations or mental health challenges. PTSD and TBI often cause sexual dysfunction, which can result in reduced libido and performance anxiety. This can create tension if both partners are still sexually interested but struggling to connect physically. Couples may need to experiment with alternative forms of intimacy such as sensual massage or cuddling to find what works best for them.
Military life often involves frequent moves and deployments, leading to strain on relationships. Long periods apart can cause emotional distancing and make reunion difficult when reunited. The couple must learn to communicate openly about their needs and desires without assuming they know what the other wants or expects.
They should focus on small acts of kindness and appreciation throughout the day to build closeness despite distance.
Military service often requires sacrifices from both partners that affect the relationship dynamic. One partner may take on more household responsibilities while the other is deployed, creating imbalances that need to be addressed upon return.
The returning partner may feel resentment over having taken on additional tasks during deployment while the non-deployed partner feels overwhelmed by responsibility. Open communication and compromise are essential here to avoid long-term damage to the relationship.
Maintaining relational continuity after significant identity shifts requires understanding, empathy, creativity, patience, and flexibility from both partners. Through these strategies, couples can navigate the difficulties of military service and emerge stronger than ever before.
How do couples maintain relational continuity when personal identities shift dramatically during and after military service?
The maintenance of relationship continuity among partners can be challenging as the military life is demanding and stressful for both parties involved. While the individual may experience an identity crisis due to the drastic changes that occur, they must also work towards preserving their relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues while adjusting to new environments and circumstances. Studies have shown that communication plays a crucial role in sustaining these connections (Sarason et al. , 2015).