What is the nature of communication between spouses who have been apart due to military deployment for an extended period of time? Military deployments can be difficult for couples in many ways, but one aspect that often goes unaddressed is the impact on their communication patterns. When soldiers are away from home, they may feel isolated and unable to express their emotions fully, which can lead to misunderstandings when they return. This can cause rifts in their relationship.
One study found that couples who had been apart for more than six months reported significantly higher levels of conflict than those who had not been apart.
Studies have shown that service members who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may find it even harder to communicate effectively after returning from deployment. The key to successful reintegration into civilian life lies in understanding how communication styles change during deployment and finding strategies to adapt accordingly.
What Are the Changes in Communication During Deployment?
During deployment, soldiers must learn to communicate differently with their partners than they do in peacetime. They may need to rely on email or phone calls instead of face-to-face interactions, leading to less intimate exchanges. As a result, couples may become accustomed to communicating through text messages or brief voice recordings instead of talking about their feelings in person. Some soldiers also experience changes in their sexual desires while deployed, making them less interested in having sex upon returning home. These changes can lead to tension and frustration if not addressed early on. To address this issue, couples should try to maintain regular contact throughout deployment and discuss any issues that arise as soon as possible.
How Can Sexual Communication Be Maintained During Deployments?
There are several ways to help couples maintain healthy sexual communication during deployments:
1. Set aside time every day or week to talk about your relationship. This could be via video chat or phone call, but ideally you would both sit down together in front of each other so that you're connecting emotionally as well. Don't avoid topics like sex just because one partner is away - addressing these things openly will help both partners understand each other better when they reunite again.
2. Keep up physical touch by sending letters or photos that show affection between partners. Send sexy texts if necessary! It doesn't have to always be explicit - sometimes just knowing that someone misses you enough to send those types of messages is enough reassurance for both parties involved. 3. Take advantage of technology whenever possible (e.g., Skype/Facetime) so you can see each other face-to-face more often than just hearing each other's voices over the phone line all day long without visual cues available. 4. Make sure there's still an opportunity for intimacy even though distance may make it difficult at times - use lingerie underwear delivered via mail service; send special gifts periodically; experiment with new positions or acts before returning home (if comfortable). These methods help alleviate some stress associated with being apart physically while keeping sexual desire alive despite miles separating you two lovebirds until finally meeting again soon after deployment ends.
What are the consequences of disrupted sexual communication during extended military deployments?
Disrupted sexual communication can have significant impact on relationships between service members and their partners during extended military deployments. Research has shown that feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and frustration may arise due to the absence of physical intimacy and romantic connection. These negative emotions can lead to conflicts, distrust, and even infidelity if not addressed effectively.