A relationship between two people can be a difficult thing to maintain while one is deployed. There are many things that can happen to both partners while they are apart. These include feeling lonely, depressed, anxious, stressed, or even angry. Some couples have no contact with each other for months or years at a time due to deployment restrictions. This can put a strain on the relationship because it feels like there's no connection anymore. One person may feel like their partner has forgotten about them or doesn't care enough to keep in touch. The other may worry about what's happening back home without being able to do anything about it.
It's important to remember that every couple is different and there isn't always an easy answer when it comes to dealing with deployments.
Some steps you can take to help balance hope and realism during this time are discussed below:
1) Communicate openly and often - This means talking about your feelings, fears, and expectations regarding the future of your relationship. Be honest with each other about what you need from one another during this difficult time. 2) Set boundaries - It's okay to say "no" to certain requests from your partner if you don't want to talk about something or do something specific.
If you don't want to discuss intimate details of your life while deployed, let them know that upfront so they don't try again later on down the road. 3) Trust your instincts - If something doesn't feel right in your gut then trust yourself and listen to those warning signs! 4) Seek professional counseling - A therapist can provide support and guidance when needed most. They can also help work through any issues that arise between both partners before, during, or after deployment. 5) Take care of yourself physically and emotionally - Eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, etc., but also don't forget self-care activities like journaling, meditation, reading books/blogs, listening to music, watching movies/TV shows, etc. These things will keep your mind occupied while away from home but still allow for relaxation at nighttime when sleep may be harder than usual due to stress levels rising up inside us all day long (especially after being gone for weeks/months).
How do individuals balance hope and realism when assessing the future of their relationships during repeated deployments?
When individuals are involved in long-distance romantic relationships with someone who is deployed repeatedly, they may struggle to maintain hope that their relationship will last while also being realistic about the challenges that such a situation presents. It can be difficult to strike a balance between these two states because it requires a degree of optimism and faith in the relationship's potential for success while acknowledging the potential pitfalls that come with military life.