How do LGBT couples maintain relational satisfaction and resilience under repeated deployment pressures?
One of the greatest challenges faced by military personnel is the separation from loved ones during extended periods of time spent deployed abroad. This can be especially difficult for same-sex couples who are not legally married and may face discrimination or lack of support from their unit members while they serve. While many studies have examined how heterosexual couples cope with deployment stressors, there is less research on how LGBTQ+ individuals navigate these issues within their own relationships. In order to better understand how LGBT couples maintain relational satisfaction and resilience under repeated deployment pressures, it's important to look at what factors contribute to successful coping strategies during deployments.
Factor 1 - Communication
Communication is essential in all relationships but especially important when one partner is away for an extended period of time. LGBT couples need to establish clear expectations about communication frequency and style before departure so that both partners feel comfortable expressing their needs and concerns throughout the deployment process. This could include setting up regular check-ins via phone or video chat as well as agreeing upon appropriate topics for discussion. It's also important that each partner feels free to discuss any worries they may have without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Factor 2 - Emotional Support
In addition to communication, emotional support plays a crucial role in maintaining relational satisfaction and resilience during deployments. LGBT couples should make sure they have access to trusted friends or family members who can offer emotional support during this difficult time.
Finding ways to stay connected with your partner emotionally while apart can help prevent feelings of isolation or loneliness. Some couples find comfort in writing letters or sharing photos or videos with each other while apart. Others find solace in spending time with new friends or engaging in hobbies such as reading or watching movies together remotely.
Factor 3 - Trust
Trust is another key component of healthy relationships between LGBTQ+ individuals that helps build resilience under repeated deployment pressures. Couples must be able to rely on each other to keep promises made before departure, whether it's sending care packages regularly or adhering to agreed upon communication schedules. Building trust takes time but requires openness and honesty from both partners. Openly discussing fears, doubts, and hopes can help establish a foundation of mutual understanding which will make future separations easier to handle.
While deployment stressors are certainly present for all military personnel regardless of sexual orientation, the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals cannot be ignored. By focusing on factors like effective communication strategies, emotional support networks, and building strong foundations based on trust, LGBTQ+ couples can navigate these difficulties more successfully than those without access to these resources. By taking proactive steps towards maintaining relational satisfaction and resilience throughout deployments, LGBTQ+ service members can ensure their mental health remains intact even when they're far away from home.
How do LGBT couples maintain relational satisfaction and resilience under repeated deployment pressures?
LGBT couples can maintain their relationship's happiness and strength by openly communicating with each other about how they feel during deployments, creating trust between them through consistent communication, and taking care of themselves emotionally and physically while one partner is deployed. Additionally, staying connected through technology such as video calls, letters, emails, or phone calls can help partners feel closer together despite being apart for extended periods.