LGBT Soldiers' Coping Strategies for Deployment Relationship Maintenance
Deployments can be difficult for any soldier, but they pose unique challenges for those who are part of the LGBT community.
Some soldiers may feel isolated from their partners back home due to societal prejudices that make it difficult to open up about their sexual orientation or gender identity while away from base. In addition, many gay men and lesbian women face discrimination within the military itself, making it even harder to feel comfortable sharing personal details with fellow servicemembers. Despite these obstacles, there are several coping strategies that LGBT soldiers can employ during deployment cycles to maintain relational satisfaction. By following these tips, you can stay connected with your partner and keep your relationship strong despite long periods apart.
One effective strategy is to schedule regular video chats or phone calls with your partner. This will help you both feel more connected and provide an opportunity to discuss important topics, such as finances, family news, and future plans. Another tip is to send each other thoughtful gifts or care packages containing items related to hobbies or interests that you share together. You might also consider sending letters or postcards in which you describe your daily activities and thoughts, allowing your partner to experience your deployment firsthand through your eyes.
Be sure to take advantage of social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on each other's lives and connect virtually whenever possible.
It's important not to rely solely on digital communication methods when dealing with extended deployments. One way to do this is by planning visits before deployment begins so that you have something tangible to look forward to at the end of a long tour of duty. Some couples find it helpful to set specific dates for reunions based on major milestones (e.g., anniversaries) or holidays; others prefer spontaneous surprises! No matter what approach you choose, make sure you plan ahead so that neither party feels alone during deployment season.
Another vital aspect of coping with separation anxiety is establishing routines that promote emotional stability throughout the process.
Many LGBT soldiers find comfort in reading books about military life or watching movies about relationships under stress, while some may turn to meditation exercises or journaling practices that encourage self-reflection. Whatever works best for you, stick with it—even if it means making minor changes along the way—so that you can maintain a sense of normalcy during otherwise abnormal circumstances.
Remember that there are resources available specifically designed for supporting LGBT service members going through deployment cycles. Many nonprofits offer free services such as online counseling sessions, support groups, and even phone lines where individuals can speak anonymously about their experiences without fear of judgment or reprisal from fellow servicemembers who don't understand why they feel differently than other troops around them. These organizations provide vital support networks that help keep morale high among those who might otherwise struggle emotionally during extended separations from loved ones back home.
By taking advantage of these various strategies, LGBT soldiers can ensure they remain connected both physically and emotionally with their partners despite prolonged periods apart due to deployments overseas or stateside training missions alike. By doing so, couples will be better equipped than ever before when facing challenges presented by military life together!
Which coping strategies allow LGBT soldiers to preserve relational satisfaction during extended deployment cycles?
The coping strategies that enable LGBT soldiers to maintain relationship satisfaction during prolonged deployment periods include communication, flexibility, and support from family members, friends, and colleagues. According to research findings, open communication about feelings, preferences, and needs is crucial for building trust and understanding between partners (Baker & Kramer, 2018).