Military spouses often face extended separations from their partners due to deployments, training exercises, and job assignments. These extended absences can put strain on even the strongest of relationships, making it challenging for couples to maintain emotional connection and intimacy.
There are several coping strategies that can help military couples sustain intimacy and relational cohesion during these difficult times.
One strategy is to communicate frequently using technology. With advances in technology, military couples can stay connected through email, text messages, video calls, and social media messaging. This allows them to share updates about their day-to-day lives, discuss their feelings, and maintain a sense of closeness despite physical distance. It's also important for military couples to establish clear boundaries around communication to avoid feeling overwhelmed by constant contact.
Another strategy is to plan ahead for periods of separation. Before a deployment or long assignment begins, couples should make time to connect emotionally and physically before they part ways. This might involve going out on dates, planning special activities together, or simply talking openly about their fears and concerns. They should also set specific goals for maintaining their relationship while apart, such as sending each other love notes or setting up regular check-ins with one another.
It's essential for military spouses to cultivate meaningful friendships outside of their marriage. Having supportive friends who understand the demands of military life can provide an outlet for sharing stressors and seeking advice when needed. Military spouses can also use this time to focus on personal interests and hobbies, which can help keep their minds off their partner's absence and increase self-esteem.
Military couples must prioritize quality time together when they reunite after a period of separation. Reconnecting emotionally and physically can be challenging but crucial for maintaining intimacy and connection. Couples can do this by scheduling date nights, engaging in shared activities, and expressing gratitude for one another. This can include taking walks, cooking meals together, watching movies, or simply holding hands.
Which coping strategies enable military couples to sustain intimacy and relational cohesion despite long periods of separation?
Military couples may utilize several effective coping strategies to maintain intimacy and relational cohesion during extended separations. These include engaging in frequent communication through letters, phone calls, or video chat, staying physically active together during downtime, maintaining a shared calendar of important dates, planning ahead for visits and special occasions, and discussing expectations and boundaries around physical contact with other individuals.