The physical and emotional intimacy between partners is crucial for any relationship, but it becomes even more important for LGBT couples who face extended periods of separation due to deployments or training exercises. These situations can put significant strain on relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation.
There are several strategies that LGBT couples can employ to maintain their intimacy when apart. Here are some tips for how LGBT couples can keep their intimacy alive while facing prolonged separations:
* **Communicate regularly**: One of the most important things that LGBT couples can do is communicate openly and frequently about their feelings, desires, and needs. This includes talking about everything from daily activities to sexual fantasies. It's also essential to discuss any concerns or challenges that arise during the deployment or exercise, as this can help create a sense of connection and understanding. Regular communication also helps to build trust and strengthen the bond between partners.
* **Plan ahead**: Before the deployment or exercise begins, couples should plan out their communication schedule and set aside specific times for each other. They can send letters, emails, texts, and videos throughout the day, and they may want to consider setting up a regular date night via video chat. Planning ahead also means making arrangements for visits, if possible, so that both parties feel supported and connected.
* **Keep busy**: While being away from your partner can be difficult, staying active and engaged in hobbies, work, or social activities can help fill the time. This doesn't mean forgetting about your partner entirely; instead, it means finding ways to keep yourself occupied until you see them again. Some LGBT couples even suggest using masturbation as a way to relieve tension and stay connected physically with their partner.
* **Focus on self-care**: Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being, especially during extended periods of separation. This means taking care of physical and emotional needs, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. LGBT couples who take good care of themselves are better equipped to handle stressful situations like deployments and training exercises.
* **Be creative**: LGBT couples should try to find new ways to express their love and intimacy while apart. This could include sending gifts, creating artwork together, or sharing photos and videos. It could also involve roleplaying scenarios or writing erotic stories that reflect the couple's shared desires. Being creative can add excitement and adventure to the relationship, even when separated by distance.
Prolonged separations due to deployments or training exercises can present unique challenges for LGBT couples. By communicating openly, planning ahead, keeping busy, focusing on self-care, and being creative, these couples can maintain their physical and emotional intimacy despite the distance between them. With patience, understanding, and effort, LGBT couples can weather any storm and come out stronger on the other side.
How do LGBT couples maintain intimacy when facing prolonged separation due to deployments or training exercises?
According to Dr. Michael Bader (2017), LGBT couples can face more challenges than heterosexual couples in maintaining intimacy during prolonged separations, such as deployments or training exercises. This may be because of the lack of social support for them and their families, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially if they live in areas where there are not many LGBT people around.