Relationships between military couples are often put to the test during deployment. The stress and separation that comes with deployments can be difficult for both parties, but soldiers may resort to different coping strategies than their civilian counterparts. One such strategy is withdrawal or compartmentalization, which involves shutting down emotionally and focusing on tasks instead of emotional connection. This can make it challenging for partners to maintain relational resilience.
There are ways to navigate these challenges and build stronger relationships despite them.
Communication is key. Partners should strive to keep open channels of communication even when their loved one is deployed. They should express how they feel and what they need without judgment or blame. It's also important to focus on positive aspects of the relationship, like shared interests and hobbies, to help maintain a sense of connectedness.
Setting aside time for romantic activities, even if it's just virtually, can help keep the spark alive and create opportunities for intimacy.
Another factor in maintaining relational resilience is trust. Partners should trust each other enough to share their feelings and experiences, including any struggles or concerns. Building trust takes time and effort, but it's essential for keeping the relationship strong. Trust requires honesty, transparency, and consistency. Partners should practice being vulnerable and honest about their needs and desires while respecting boundaries.
Partners should remember that every relationship goes through ups and downs. Deployment is just one challenge among many, and it will pass. Maintaining perspective and understanding that this is temporary can help reduce stress and anxiety. Partners should not try to force things back to normal immediately upon reunion, as it may cause more harm than good. Instead, they should take time to reconnect slowly and deliberately.
Maintaining relational resilience during deployment can be difficult, but it's possible with patience, communication, trust-building, and an understanding of the situation. Partners must remember that deployments are challenging for both parties and work together to support each other emotionally and physically. By focusing on these strategies, military couples can emerge from deployment stronger than ever before.
How do partners maintain relational resilience when soldiers' coping strategies include withdrawal or compartmentalization?
Partners of military service members are faced with unique challenges that can put stress on their relationship. One such challenge is the potential for the soldier's coping mechanisms to be problematic and impactful to the relationship. Withdrawal or compartmentalization may occur when a soldier needs time alone after returning from deployment or experiencing trauma. This separation can cause partners to feel abandoned or unsupported, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.