In the military, deployments are commonplace for couples who serve their country. Deployments can last months to years at a time, and they often result in strained relationships due to limited communication and lack of physical intimacy.
Many soldiers report maintaining high levels of sexual satisfaction throughout their deployments through various strategies that promote relational continuity. These include setting aside designated times for virtual dates, using technology to stay connected, engaging in sexting, exchanging explicit photos and videos, practicing self-pleasure techniques, and scheduling phone sex sessions. The key is to keep open channels of communication and find creative ways to maintain emotional and sexual closeness despite being apart.
First Strategy: Virtual Dates
One strategy that supports long-distance relational continuity and sexual satisfaction during prolonged deployment is setting aside dedicated time for virtual dates. This means agreeing upon specific days and times when both parties will be available to connect via video chat or phone call. During these virtual dates, couples can engage in activities such as watching movies together, playing games, cooking meals, going on virtual tours, or simply catching up on each other's day-to-day lives. It provides an opportunity to reconnect emotionally, maintain intimacy, and keep the relationship feeling alive even though physically apart.
Second Strategy: Technology
Another strategy that helps maintain sexual satisfaction during deployment is utilizing technology to stay connected. This includes sending texts, emails, voice messages, and video calls. Couples can also use platforms like Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp to have real-time conversations and share experiences. Many military families report finding new ways to interact with one another, such as sharing photos, creating photo albums, and exploring online gaming communities. Staying connected through technology helps create a sense of normalcy and keeps the couple from feeling isolated.
Third Strategy: Sexting
Sexting is a form of digital flirting that involves sending explicit text messages, images, videos, or GIFs to your partner. It allows couples to express their desires, fantasies, and feelings without having to be in the same room. Soldiers who are deployed often find sexting to be an effective way to maintain sexual interest and connection. By exchanging erotic content, they can feel closer to their partners while remaining physically distant.
It is important to establish boundaries and set limits before beginning this type of communication to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
Fourth Strategy: Self-Pleasure Techniques
Self-pleasure techniques involve masturbating alone or with a partner via virtual means. Couples can engage in mutual masturbation sessions using cameras and audio equipment, which provides a level of intimacy and connection despite being apart. This technique can help reduce stress, tension, and frustration while away from each other.
Some soldiers report practicing self-pleasure techniques as a way to cope with loneliness and boredom during deployment.
Fifth Strategy: Phone Sex Sessions
Phone sex sessions allow couples to engage in sexual activities over the phone. These include roleplaying, discussing sexual fantasies, sharing stories, and even engaging in explicit conversations. Many military families find this strategy helpful for maintaining sexual satisfaction because it creates a sense of closeness and physical intimacy despite being far away from one another. It's important to keep phone sex lighthearted and fun, but also focus on connecting emotionally rather than just fulfilling physical desires.
Deployments can take a toll on relationships, but by implementing these strategies, couples can maintain relational continuity and sexual satisfaction throughout prolonged separation. By setting aside time for virtual dates, utilizing technology, sexting, practicing self-pleasure techniques, and scheduling phone sex sessions, couples can stay connected physically and emotionally.
It is essential to communicate openly, set boundaries, and respect each other's needs and limitations when engaging in these strategies.
What strategies support long-distance relational continuity and sexual satisfaction during prolonged deployment?
Long-distance relationships are particularly vulnerable to communication breakdown, loneliness, and reduced sexual activity due to geographic distance, which can undermine relationship continuity and satisfaction. To maintain relational stability and enhance intimacy over time, partners may employ various strategies such as frequent video calls, joint online activities, and mutual self-disclosure of desires and needs.