Sexual intimacy is an important part of any romantic relationship, including those between people who serve in the military.
The unique challenges faced by military personnel can make it difficult for some to maintain their sexual intimacy within their relationship.
Deployments, training schedules, and long hours away from home can all interfere with couples' ability to connect physically and emotionally.
Trauma exposure during combat experiences may lead to changes in sexual behavior that are difficult for both partners to adjust to. Institutional norms also play a role in disrupting relational routines, such as rules about when and where soldiers can engage in sexual activity. In this article, we will explore how military couples can work together to maintain psychosexual compatibility despite these challenges.
One way that military couples can stay connected sexually is through communication. It is important for each partner to be able to openly discuss their needs, desires, and boundaries with their partner. This includes being honest about their feelings surrounding sex and physical intimacy, as well as their sexual history. Military couples should establish clear agreements about what they are comfortable doing together and what they would like to avoid. They should also agree upon a schedule for when and where they will engage in sexual activities. By having regular conversations about these issues, military couples can build trust and ensure that they are meeting each other's needs.
Another strategy for maintaining psychosexual compatibility is to set aside time specifically for sex. Scheduling sex allows military couples to prioritize their intimate connection and keep it a part of their daily routine. This means making an effort to spend quality time together without distractions or obligations. Some couples find that setting up a "date night" once a week or month can help them stay focused on each other romantically. Others may prefer to plan more spontaneous encounters, perhaps by leaving notes or surprises for one another throughout the day. The key is to make sex a priority and put it on the calendar.
Military couples who want to maintain psychosexual compatibility should seek professional support if needed. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and resources on navigating common problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect both individuals' ability to connect emotionally and physically. Therapy can also help couples explore new ways to express themselves sexually, such as through roleplaying or erotic fiction. With patience and communication, military couples can overcome the challenges of keeping their relationship strong despite difficult circumstances.
Military couples can maintain psychosexual compatibility by communicating openly, scheduling time for sex, and seeking professional support when necessary. While the unique challenges faced by service members may seem insurmountable at times, these strategies can help partners stay connected even in tough situations. By working together to build trust and meet each other's needs, military couples can ensure that their sexual connection remains strong and satisfying.
How do military couples maintain psychosexual compatibility when trauma, operational stress, or institutional norms disrupt relational routines?
There are various reasons why military couples may experience difficulties with psychosexual compatibility, including traumatic experiences related to combat or deployment, operational stress that affects physical and mental health, and institutional norms that restrict their interactions outside of the family unit. One study found that military personnel who had experienced more than one deployment were more likely to report decreased sexual satisfaction compared to those who had not (Ackerman et al. , 2016).