Intimate rituals are an important part of maintaining healthy romantic relationships, and they can play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation during deployment for service members. Deployment is a stressful time for both the deployed person and their loved ones, and intimate rituals can help to mitigate some of that stress and provide a sense of connection and continuity despite physical separation. In this article, we will explore how intimate rituals can support emotional regulation during deployment and what types of intimate rituals may be most effective.
It's important to understand why intimate rituals are so beneficial during deployment. When people are apart from their loved ones, they often experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and worry. Intimate rituals provide a way for partners to stay connected emotionally, even when they are physically apart. They create a sense of familiarity and stability in an otherwise unstable situation, which can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
One study found that military couples who engaged in regular sexual activity during deployment experienced lower levels of stress and higher levels of relationship satisfaction than those who did not engage in sexual activity.
There are many different types of intimate rituals that can support emotional regulation during deployment. Some common examples include kissing, cuddling, holding hands, massages, and phone or video calls. These activities all have the potential to promote closeness and comfort, and they can also be customized to meet the needs of each individual couple.
Some couples may choose to set aside specific times for phone calls or video chats, while others may prefer to exchange love letters or gifts. It's important to find a routine that works best for both partners and to stick to it consistently throughout the deployment period.
In addition to providing emotional support, intimate rituals can also serve as a form of self-care for deployed service members. Sexual activity, in particular, has been shown to release endorphins and other hormones that promote positive mood and relaxation. Engaging in sex or other forms of intimacy can also boost confidence and improve sleep quality, both of which are essential for maintaining emotional wellbeing.
It's important to note that not everyone feels comfortable with sexual activity during deployment, and there is no shame in choosing alternative intimate rituals instead.
When creating intimate rituals during deployment, it's important to keep in mind the specific needs and desires of both partners. One partner may feel more comfortable with physical intimacy, while another may prefer verbal communication or shared activities. It's also important to consider any logistical challenges, such as time zone differences or access to technology. Service members should try to create a schedule that allows for regular communication and intimacy, but they should also give themselves grace if things don't go according to plan due to unforeseen circumstances.
Engaging in intimate rituals during deployment can be an effective way to support emotional regulation and promote relationship satisfaction. By prioritizing connection and closeness even when apart, couples can weather the stresses of deployment together and emerge stronger than ever before.
How do intimate rituals support emotional regulation during deployment?
Intimate rituals such as kissing, cuddling, holding hands, sharing personal stories, expressing gratitude, and saying "I love you" can be powerful tools for emotional regulation during deployment because they promote connection, closeness, comfort, and security, which are essential elements of healthy relationships. These actions may strengthen bonds between partners, increase feelings of safety and trust, and alleviate anxiety and stress caused by separation.