As human beings, we all strive for intimacy and emotional trust in our romantic relationships.
It can become challenging when one partner is away for an extended deployment. In such situations, maintaining emotional closeness becomes even more crucial for LGBT couples who already face unique obstacles due to societal attitudes toward their relationship. To support the maintenance of intimacy and emotional trust during military separations, LGBT couples employ various strategies that have been found effective through research and personal experience.
One strategy involves frequent communication through phone calls, texts, emails, video chats, etc., which helps build connection and keep the relationship alive despite physical distance. This communication should include updates about daily life, discussions about future plans, and sharing feelings and thoughts. Couples also benefit from setting specific times for communicating regularly, like every evening after work or every weekend morning. They can plan fun activities together virtually to look forward to and make the time apart seem less lonely.
Sending thoughtful gifts, writing letters, and exchanging pictures can show affection and care.
Another strategy involves keeping each other's needs in mind and making efforts to meet them.
Partners may agree to keep certain boundaries around social media activity, sexual exploration, and personal time. This shows respect for each other's space and privacy while still maintaining a strong bond. It can also involve planning visits home or visiting each other as often as possible.
Expressing gratitude and appreciation for each other regularly is critical in supporting intimacy and trust. Partners can write love notes, send flowers, give compliments, and create special traditions like surprise breakfasts or movie nights. These gestures remind both people how much they mean to each other and provide comfort when missing each other. Lastly, seeking support from friends, family, and community groups can help LGBT couples cope with emotional challenges and feel supported during separation.
By implementing these strategies, LGBT couples can maintain emotional closeness and trust even in difficult circumstances. Maintaining an open line of communication, prioritizing mutual needs, showing appreciation, and seeking support are essential steps toward successful long-distance relationships. With dedication and effort, military deployments need not damage the quality of intimate bonds between LGBT partners.
What strategies support the maintenance of intimacy and emotional trust in LGBT couples during extended deployments?
The military is an extremely stressful environment that can make maintaining intimate relationships challenging for everyone, but especially for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) individuals. Many members of this community face discrimination within the military culture, which can lead them to feel disconnected from their peers and isolated on deployment.