Dual-Service Couples in Combat or High-Risk Environments
Many individuals join the military for reasons such as pride, patriotism, job stability, financial security, adventure, and others. Some people even meet their spouses during their service years. These couples often face unique challenges that most civilian couples don't have to deal with because they are both involved in different occupations that carry risks. When one partner is deployed to a high-risk zone, it can be difficult for them to manage their relational and sexual needs. In this article, we will explore how dual-service couples navigate these difficulties and maintain a healthy relationship.
When one partner is away on deployment, it can put stress on the relationship due to communication problems and distance. Many factors contribute to strained communication between partners, including long separations, limited access to technology, and emotional exhaustion from work-related issues.
There are some ways couples can stay connected while apart.
Sending letters and emails, scheduling regular video calls, and sharing photos of daily life help keep the connection strong.
Military personnel should try to find time to talk about their feelings with their partners before deploying so they can express themselves openly when communicating remotely.
Aside from communication barriers, physical separation can also impact intimacy levels within relationships. It's natural to feel lonely and miss your loved ones when you aren't together physically. This can lead to lowered libido and difficulty getting aroused sexually. One solution is to practice solo self-pleasure or masturbation to release tension and reduce stress. Couples can also use video chat or other forms of remote communication to engage in erotic play and create a sense of closeness even though they're miles apart. Some people may choose to incorporate toys or role-play into virtual sessions to spice things up.
Another challenge that dual-service couples face is managing their expectations regarding sex and intimacy upon reunion after deployment. After being apart for extended periods, partners may have different desires or sexual needs than before, which can lead to misunderstandings if not discussed properly. It's essential to communicate honestly about what each person wants during this time and set boundaries accordingly. It would be best if you didn't assume anything and allow plenty of time for exploration without pressure or judgement.
In addition to these challenges, service members are often exposed to traumatic experiences that affect them mentally and emotionally. This exposure can make it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships and connect with their partner on an emotional level.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause irritability, nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance - all of which can impact the relationship. PTSD symptoms can also interfere with sexual function, making it hard for individuals to relax enough for intimacy. It's crucial for both partners to be patient with each other as they navigate these difficulties together and seek professional help when necessary.
Navigating relational and sexual needs while one partner is away from home requires effort and understanding from both parties involved in the relationship. Regular communication, self-care practices like masturbation, mutual agreements on expectations for sexuality, patience with mental health issues caused by deployment, and seeking professional help when needed are key components of a successful dual-service couple's journey through combat or high-risk environments.
How do dual-service couples navigate relational and sexual needs when both partners are exposed to combat or high-risk environments?
Dual-service couples face numerous challenges while navigating their relational and sexual needs when they both serve in high-risk occupations. According to researchers (Smith et al. , 2017), these individuals may experience various difficulties such as a lack of communication, poor support from family members and friends, and an absence of privacy due to their jobs' requirements.