Sustaining Sexual and Emotional Connection Between Deployment and Reintegration
In modern times, soldiers are required to go through repeated cycles of deployments to war zones for extended periods before returning home to their families. These deployments can be quite taxing on both physical and mental health, leading to operational stress and strained interpersonal relations between spouses.
Couples need to maintain a strong emotional and sexual connection during these difficult times to stay healthy and happy. Here is how they achieve this.
Establish Rituals
During deployment, establish rituals that help you connect even when apart.
You could set up a daily phone call or send each other love letters once a week. You can also make it a habit to share what you did that day so you'll know what your partner has been going through. This way, you won't feel like strangers when you finally meet after months apart. It may sound corny, but sharing secrets and writing them down in a diary works too.
Stay Active
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating well. Exercise releases endorphins which boost mood and improve sex drive. Eating nutritious foods keeps your body running smoothly and reduces fatigue. During reintegration, it is easy to get into bad habits because life is back to normal, but don't do it! Be physically active together as much as possible. Plan date nights, take hikes, play sports, etc. Avoid alcoholism and smoking as they reduce libido and increase depression.
Communicate Regularly
Make time for regular communication with your partner. Use all available means - calls, emails, texts, video chats, social media - to keep the lines of communication open. Share your feelings freely without fear of judgment or ridicule. Don't wait until you return home before discussing sensitive issues; you may be too tired or upset then. Also, never ignore or dismiss their feelings, no matter how trivial or insignificant. When you come back home, talk about everything first and most importantly, apologize if necessary.
Set Realistic Expectations
Deployment takes its toll on both parties, so set realistic expectations regarding your relationship. Remember that your spouse will have changed during your absence. Understand that adjustment takes time, patience, and compromises. If something is bothering them, let them vent while actively listening without interrupting. Accept that things won't be perfect after deployment, but work towards it by being patient and understanding.
Practice Self-Care
Take care of yourself emotionally and spiritually through self-care activities like meditation, yoga, reading, writing, or taking a bath. These practices can help you stay sane in difficult situations. You should also practice forgiveness because holding onto resentments leads to bitterness and unhealthy relationships. Go out with friends or family when possible to take a break from each other. Avoid isolating yourself and always seek support groups or therapy when needed.
Sustaining emotional and sexual connection between deployments requires effort, planning, and patience. Establish rituals, remain active, communicate regularly, set realistic expectations, and practice self-care to maintain strong interpersonal relations. By following these tips, you and your partner will stay healthy physically and mentally despite the challenges of repeated cycles of deployment and reintegration.
How do couples sustain sexual and emotional connection during repeated cycles of deployment, reintegration, and operational stress?
The question at hand focuses on how military couples maintain their romantic relationship despite long periods of separation due to deployment, reintegration, and operational stress. Military couples may encounter difficulties in maintaining both physical and emotional intimacy during these challenging times. Research indicates that communication plays an important role in sustaining emotional and sexual connections between partners.