The emotional distress caused by prolonged military deployments is well-documented. When service members are away for an extended period of time, their romantic partners often experience intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships, including decreased communication, decreased levels of trust and commitment, and even infidelity.
There are several strategies that couples can implement during deployment-related separations to help support relationship satisfaction.
It's important for both partners to establish clear expectations before the separation begins. They should discuss how they plan to stay connected while apart, including how frequently they will communicate, what types of activities they will engage in together, and who will be responsible for initiating contact. This helps to reduce uncertainty and promotes a sense of predictability, which can be reassuring during stressful times.
Couples can make efforts to build a strong foundation prior to deployment. This includes engaging in meaningful conversations about their individual needs, expressing gratitude and appreciation for one another regularly, and setting aside dedicated time for intimacy and physical connection. These actions help to reinforce positive associations with each other, making it easier to sustain the relationship when distance intervenes.
It's also essential for deployed individuals to keep up with household responsibilities as much as possible. This includes tasks like paying bills, grocery shopping, and caring for children or pets. By doing so, partners at home can feel more supported, less stressed, and less resentful towards their loved ones away from home.
Couples should strive to remain hopeful and optimistic throughout the separation period. This involves actively working to maintain a positive outlook on the future, anticipating the reunion with excitement and joy, and focusing on the many ways in which their love has strengthened over time. It's important to remember that deployments are temporary, and that reunions bring new opportunities for growth, healing, and celebration.
Successful relationships during deployment-related separations require effort, commitment, and communication. By implementing these strategies, service members and their partners can navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger than ever before.
What strategies support relationship satisfaction during extended periods of deployment-related separation?
Relationship satisfaction can be supported through effective communication and planning between partners during extended periods of deployment-related separation. This involves openly discussing expectations, scheduling regular check-ins, maintaining consistent patterns of contact, sharing experiences, and being emotionally available for each other even when physically apart. Additionally, engaging in shared activities, such as video chats or letter writing, can help foster connection and intimacy.