Soldiers experience conflicting feelings of closeness and independence when it comes to their personal lives, which can lead to emotional ambivalence. On one hand, they may crave physical and emotional intimacy with their partners back home while also feeling a need for solitude and space. This dichotomy between closeness and autonomy can be especially challenging during times of deployment when communication is limited or nonexistent.
One strategy that soldiers often employ to manage this ambivalence is compartmentalization, whereby they separate their personal life from their military duties and responsibilities. They may create boundaries around what topics are discussed with their partner and what activities they engage in together.
A soldier might only talk about work-related issues on weekdays and focus on leisure activities like hobbies or sports on weekends. By establishing these clear parameters, soldiers can maintain some semblance of order and predictability in their relationship despite being physically distant.
Another way that soldiers cope with emotional ambivalence is through self-regulation techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises. These practices help them regulate their emotions and stay present in the moment instead of dwelling on past events or worrying about future ones.
Some soldiers find comfort in writing letters or journaling to express their thoughts and feelings without having to speak them aloud.
Managing emotional ambivalence can take a toll on soldiers' mental health. Feelings of guilt, shame, or loneliness can arise from wanting both closeness and independence simultaneously. It's essential for soldiers to seek support from peers or professionals if they feel overwhelmed by these conflicting desires. Open communication with partners is also crucial to avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
Balancing simultaneous desires for closeness and autonomy requires effort and awareness. Soldiers must be willing to acknowledge and address their conflicting emotions while seeking out healthy coping strategies to manage them effectively.
How do soldiers manage emotional ambivalence arising from simultaneous desires for closeness and autonomy?
Emotional ambivalence is a common experience among soldiers as they may feel conflicted about their desire for closeness with loved ones back home while also feeling the need for independence and separation during deployment. To cope with this, soldiers can engage in various strategies such as maintaining regular communication through letters, emails, or phone calls, setting boundaries for family members, or seeking support from other military personnel on base.