Post-deployment trauma can take a heavy toll on the relationship between service members and their partners. In fact, research shows that up to 80% of military marriages are impacted by deployment-related stress. This is because deployments often involve significant changes in communication patterns, roles, and routines, which can create feelings of anxiety, resentment, and mistrust.
There are strategies that couples can use to rebuild trust, emotional closeness, and sexual satisfaction after deployment. Here are some effective strategies for rebuilding post-deployment relational trust, emotional closeness, and sexual satisfaction.
It's essential to establish open and honest communication with your partner. Deployment can leave both parties feeling isolated, disconnected, and uncertain about each other's needs and expectations. To overcome this, make an effort to listen actively to your partner's concerns and validate their experiences without judgment or criticism. It may also be helpful to set aside regular time to talk about your relationship, such as during weekly date nights. Be transparent about your own thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Show affection and appreciation for your partner through small acts of kindness and attention. This could include writing love letters, sending surprise gifts, cooking meals together, or simply holding hands while watching TV. These gestures help reestablish physical intimacy and demonstrate that you care deeply about them. Physical touch can also play a crucial role in restoring trust and connection. Try to avoid being overwhelmed by physical contact, but instead focus on slow, gentle, and deliberate actions like hugging or massage.
Consider seeking professional counseling. Military families often face unique challenges related to deployment that require specialized support. A therapist or counselor can provide an impartial third party who can help you navigate tough conversations, address underlying issues, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They can also recommend specific exercises and strategies tailored to your individual situation.
A couples therapist might suggest role-playing exercises to practice communication skills or activities that foster emotional intimacy.
Spend quality time alone with your partner outside of the home. Deployment can leave both parties feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, making it difficult to prioritize personal time.
This is necessary to prevent resentment from building up and enhancing sexual satisfaction. Plan fun and relaxing activities such as going out for dinner, taking a walk, or attending concerts or sporting events. You may even want to try date night ideas that were popular before deployment, such as dancing or trying new foods.
Be patient and understanding. Rebuilding trust and intimacy takes time and effort, so don't expect immediate results. It's important to acknowledge that each person has their own unique experiences and needs during and after deployment. Be willing to compromise and make sacrifices to meet these needs without losing sight of yourself. Don't compare your relationship to others or assume that things will automatically go back to "normal." Instead, focus on rebuilding one day at a time, appreciating every small step forward in your journey together.
There are several effective strategies for rebuilding relational trust, emotional closeness, and sexual satisfaction post-deployment. These include establishing open communication, showing affection and appreciation, seeking professional counseling, spending time alone together, and being patient and understanding. By using these strategies consistently and intentionally, military couples can overcome the challenges posed by deployment and build stronger relationships than ever before.
What strategies help rebuild relational trust, emotional closeness, and sexual satisfaction post-deployment?
The strategies that may help rebuild relational trust, emotional closeness, and sexual satisfaction after deployment include communication, understanding each other's needs, being patient and supportive, engaging in shared activities, seeking professional support if necessary, and spending time together as a couple. Communication is crucial for building and maintaining trust, especially after being apart for an extended period of time.