Service Members and Intimate Relationships after Operational Experiences
Intimacy is an essential part of life for all humans, regardless of gender, race, age, or profession.
It becomes even more significant for those who serve in the military, where they face intense physical and emotional challenges daily. After returning from combat missions, many service members find solace in close connections to loved ones or friends. In this article, we will explore how intimacy can help service members ground themselves after operational experiences.
One way that intimacy helps ground service members is by providing them with a sense of stability. When individuals are constantly exposed to trauma, chaos, and violence during operations, their lives become unstable. They may feel disconnected from reality, unsure of their place in the world, and uncertain about what comes next. By engaging in intimate relationships, such as marriage or friendships, service members can find consistency and structure in their lives. This predictability provides comfort and reassurance, allowing them to process their experiences healthily.
One study found that married service members were less likely to report post-traumatic stress symptoms than single or divorced counterparts (Smith et al., 2015).
Another way that intimacy grounds service members is through shared experience. During operations, soldiers often develop strong bonds with their fellow troops. These bonds are built on trust, loyalty, and mutual support, creating a sense of community within the group. When these soldiers return home, they may struggle to connect with others who have not experienced similar circumstances. Intimate relationships provide a bridge between operational life and civilian society. Service members can share their experiences with partners or friends who understand their struggles and offer empathy and understanding. This connection creates a sense of belonging, helping them adjust to non-military life more easily.
Intimacy also allows service members to express their emotions freely. Operations take an emotional toll on those involved, leaving many feeling isolated and overwhelmed. By connecting with loved ones, service members can release these feelings in a safe and supportive environment. According to research, couples counseling has been shown to improve mental health outcomes for military spouses (Gallagher & Kelley, 2019). In addition, being physically close to another person releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation and well-being (Levin, 2020).
Intimacy provides grounding because it helps service members feel valued and appreciated. After returning from combat, many soldiers report feeling disconnected from society and underappreciated. They may struggle to find meaning or purpose in everyday tasks, leading to depression and isolation. Through intimate relationships, service members can reconnect with people who value their skills and contributions. This validation boosts self-esteem, allowing them to move forward positively after operations.
Intimacy plays a crucial role in helping service members ground themselves after operational experiences. It provides stability, shared experience, emotional expression, and validation. While intimacy alone cannot fix the wounds of war, it can help mitigate some of its effects by providing a sense of normalcy, connection, and community.
In what ways do service members rely on intimacy as a means of grounding themselves after intense operational experiences?
Most military personnel tend to have a strong sense of camaraderie with their fellow soldiers during times of conflict. This bond is crucial for survival, and it can be one way that service members find meaning and purpose in their lives. After returning home from combat, many veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life and feel isolated or disconnected from their loved ones.