Maintaining Emotional Availability, Trust, and Intimacy While Adhering to Professional Norms of Stoicism
Soldiers are required to adhere to strict rules of conduct during their service, including maintaining professional demeanor and avoiding displays of affection towards fellow soldiers. This can make it difficult for them to form deep connections and develop meaningful relationships, even with those they share close quarters with.
There are ways that soldiers can still cultivate emotional availability, trust, and intimacy while following these norms.
One way is through verbal communication. Soldiers should be open and honest with each other about their feelings, expressing themselves clearly and concisely without resorting to cliches or platitudes. They should also listen actively to their partners' thoughts and concerns, showing empathy and understanding. By engaging in thoughtful dialogue, soldiers can establish a foundation of mutual respect and trust.
Another way is through physical touch. While public displays of affection may not be appropriate, light touches such as hand holding, hugging, and shoulder rubbing can convey intimacy and support without violating military protocol. These gestures can help build closeness between soldiers and provide reassurance when they need it most.
Soldiers can show their partner that they care by offering small acts of kindness and consideration. Simple gestures like making coffee or cleaning up after them demonstrate thoughtfulness and appreciation, which can go a long way in fostering emotional connection.
Soldiers should prioritize quality time together whenever possible. Taking breaks from training or duty to spend time alone with their partner helps strengthen the bond between them and provides opportunities for deeper conversation and shared experiences.
By taking proactive steps towards maintaining emotional availability, trust, and intimacy within the constraints of professional stoicism, soldiers can build strong relationships and support networks that will serve them both during and after their service.
How do soldiers maintain emotional availability, trust, and intimacy while adhering to professional norms of stoicism?
The ability to form meaningful relationships with others is essential for human beings; however, it can become challenging when individuals are forced to separate themselves from their feelings due to occupational duties. This is especially true for soldiers who need to remain stoic and unemotional on the battlefield but still desire to build strong connections with their loved ones back home.