The psychological concept of intimacy is often considered to be one of the most essential elements of successful romantic relationships. Intimate partnerships are based on mutual trust, understanding, closeness, and affectionate feelings between two people. This connection can come from various sources such as shared interests, physical attraction, intellectual stimulation, communication styles, and compatibility.
It has been suggested that there may be additional factors contributing to the development of emotional intimacy, including repeated deployment experiences. Repeated deployment refers to when an individual is deployed multiple times during their military career. While this experience can bring individuals closer together through increased trust, it can also lead to difficulty in maintaining intimacy due to frequent separations. In this essay, I will explore how repeated deployment influences the development of emotional intimacy in long-term romantic relationships.
Repetitive deployments have been shown to impact relationships significantly since they require constant separation, which can cause stress, anxiety, and fear for both parties involved. This uncertainty about whether or not the partner will return home safely can create distance and tension even after reunion. The effects of prolonged deployment on couples can last long beyond the initial period. According to a study published in the journal Psychology Today, "The longer the duration of separation, the greater the strain on the relationship." Deployment can result in feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and isolation, leading to a lack of support and communication within the relationship.
Returning veterans may face challenges adjusting to civilian life, resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, and agitation. These symptoms are commonly experienced by spouses who must care for them and can further strain the relationship.
The physical absence of one partner can make it difficult for couples to develop an emotional bond that goes beyond physical attraction. It is essential to understand that intimacy requires more than just physical connection; it necessitates sharing thoughts, feelings, desires, and needs with another person. When one partner is away, the other may feel a sense of loss that hinders their ability to connect emotionally. To combat this issue, couples should prioritize communication and maintain strong connections through technology, phone calls, letters, emails, and video chats. They should also seek out ways to express themselves creatively, such as writing love letters or keeping a journal together. Another suggestion is to schedule regular date nights upon reuniting to build trust and intimacy again.
Another factor influencing intimacy during deployment is the emotional distance between partners due to their different experiences. This experience can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and frustration when trying to bridge the gap. The deployment period often causes partners to grow apart emotionally, making it harder to reconnect later.
If one partner has been through trauma while deployed, they may find it challenging to discuss these experiences with their loved ones, leading to a lack of understanding and support. In addition, repeated deployments can create an environment where each partner feels unsupported in their own way, which can be detrimental to intimacy.
Communication remains crucial during these times since being able to express how you are feeling is essential to building closeness.
The impact of repeated deployment on long-term romantic relationships cannot be underestimated. While military service can bring partners closer together initially, extended separations can cause strain and difficulty in establishing an emotional connection.
Returning veterans may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms that further complicate matters. It is important for couples to communicate openly about their feelings, seek help if needed, and prioritize intimacy despite physical separation. With effort and dedication, couples can overcome the effects of deployment and strengthen their bond over time.
How does repeated deployment influence the development of emotional intimacy in long-term romantic relationships?
Repetitive deployments can have negative effects on the development of emotional intimacy in long-term romantic relationships due to increased separation anxiety, difficulty with reintegration, and a lack of quality time together. Deployed members may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can make it difficult to form meaningful connections when they return home. This may lead to a sense of disconnection between partners and difficulty in rebuilding trust.