The act of communication is essential for the development of human beings, especially when it comes to romantic relations. Intimate partners need to communicate openly to understand one another's needs and desires.
Things become more complicated when one partner has to go through a military deployment or job assignment that requires them to work from home. This change can make partners feel distant and alone, affecting their relationship negatively. It becomes even harder to stay connected if the military partner has to deploy abroad. This situation may bring about changes in how couples communicate and share intimacy behaviors. Adaptation is key to making such transitions less challenging for both parties involved.
During long deployments, communication can be tricky since there are no face-to-face interactions between partners. The deployed person will miss the nonverbal cues that come from facial expressions and body language. As a result, they have to rely solely on the voice tone to convey emotions. Military partners can choose to call or send messages frequently to keep each other updated on happenings. They should also try to talk often about general topics, like their day, friends, family, and hobbies.
Intimacy in relationships involves physical contact, which is impossible during deployment due to distance limitations. To make up for this lack of touch, partners must turn to alternative methods, like sharing virtual kisses, hugs, and holding hands. Other ways to stay connected include sending explicit photos, videos, or texts. Virtual sex is another option that enables partners to remain intimate despite being apart. Both partners can use webcams and video conferencing applications to see and hear each other as they engage in sexual activities.
Partners who relocate temporarily because of job assignments face unique challenges. While away, they may need to find new places to eat, relax, and exercise. If they live together before the move, adjustment can take time when one partner returns home. Couples in such situations can help each other get back into their daily routines by sharing updates on social media or messaging apps. This way, they don't feel disconnected from one another.
Communication and intimacy behaviors change during military deployments and temporary reassignments. Partners adapt to these changes using different strategies depending on the situation. By doing so, they ensure that they do not lose their connection with one another.
How do partners adapt communication and intimacy behaviors to accommodate shifting deployment conditions or reassignments?
Partners tend to adjust their communication styles when faced with challenging situations such as deployments or reassignment. They may find themselves needing to be more open and flexible in how they express themselves to each other. This could mean being willing to try new methods of connecting that are different from what they normally do, such as video calling instead of talking on the phone.