When soldiers are repeatedly deployed away from their families for extended periods of time, it can take a toll on their relationships back home. This is especially true if these deployments happen frequently and last for extended periods of time. Soldiers may find themselves questioning the stability and longevity of their relationship, leading them to wonder if they will ever be able to return to normalcy once they are finally reunited.
There is hope for these couples, as research suggests that there are ways to assess relational resilience during times of absence and reunion so that they can stay connected and continue building a strong bond.
In order to assess relational resilience, soldiers should focus on three key areas: communication, trust, and commitment. Communication is essential when soldiers are away from their partners for long periods of time, as it allows them to stay connected through letters, emails, phone calls, video chats, and social media messages. By keeping up regular contact, soldiers can maintain a sense of intimacy and familiarity with their partner, even though they are physically apart.
Being honest about feelings and sharing updates on their deployment experience can help strengthen the connection between the two people in the relationship. Trust is also important, as soldiers need to feel confident in their partner's ability to care for themselves and their family while they are gone. They need to know that their partner won't make major decisions without consulting them or taking risks that could put their safety at risk.
Commitment is necessary to ensure that both parties remain invested in the relationship and committed to working together to overcome any challenges that arise.
To build resilience within a relationship during repeated cycles of absence and reunion, soldiers should focus on creating routines that keep them connected. This might include sending love notes, planning regular date nights over video chat, or scheduling weekly check-ins to catch up on each other's lives. It is also important to be patient with one another and understanding of the unique stressors associated with military life. Soldiers should try not to take out their frustrations on their partner, but instead work together to find solutions to problems.
The key to building resilience is to remember why you chose this person as your partner in the first place and work towards making that relationship stronger every day, no matter how much time passes between visits.
Despite the challenges posed by extended deployments, there are ways to assess relational resilience and create a strong bond with a significant other when faced with repeated absences and reunions. By focusing on communication, trust, and commitment, soldiers can stay connected and continue growing their relationships even when apart.
How do soldiers assess relational resilience when repeated cycles of absence and reunion challenge continuity?
In the context of military deployment, relational resilience can be defined as an individual's ability to maintain healthy relationships despite long periods of separation due to work demands. Soldiers may experience challenges in assessing this construct because it is often difficult for them to determine whether their partner's feelings towards them have changed during these extended absences. One factor that influences this assessment is the frequency and length of deployments.