How Partners Adapt Intimacy and Communication Behaviors
Couples face challenges during military deployments that can put strain on their relationships, including managing separation anxiety, maintaining trust and connection, and finding new ways to stay connected physically. As they navigate these difficulties, many couples discover creative strategies for keeping their intimate and communicative relationship alive. One way they do this is through adaptations in communication behaviors. Here are some examples of how partners can adjust their communication patterns during deployment.
Emotional Connections
During a deployment, there may be less time for emotional connection due to the demands of work and training. To compensate for this, couples can make an effort to connect emotionally in other ways.
They might send each other more frequent text messages, share photos or videos, or write love letters. This helps them feel closer even when they're apart.
Physical Touch
Physical touch is another important aspect of intimacy that may need to change during deployment. Couples who typically hug or cuddle may have to find alternative ways to express physical affection. This could involve holding hands or sending sensual texts or emails. Some couples also use sex toys or engage in long-distance sex with video chat or phone calls.
Scheduling Time Together
When partners are separated, it's important to schedule regular times to communicate. This could mean setting up a daily check-in call or arranging Skype dates. It could also mean planning special activities together, such as watching movies at the same time or going on virtual dates.
Active listening is a crucial part of maintaining good communication during deployment. Partners should strive to listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and respond thoughtfully. They should avoid interrupting or assuming what their partner means. This can help prevent misunderstandings and keep conversations productive.
Clear Expectations
To avoid confusion, partners should set clear expectations about their roles while one of them is deployed.
They might agree on rules around social media usage, sharing personal information, and communication frequency. They should also talk about their needs and desires for when they reunite.
Flexibility
Flexibility is key to navigating relationship challenges during deployment. Partners should be willing to adapt their behaviors based on each other's needs and changing circumstances. This could involve adjusting their work schedules, finding new ways to connect emotionally, or rethinking their physical intimacy.
Partners who adapt their communication and intimate behaviors during deployment can maintain closeness and connection despite the distance. By focusing on emotional connections, physical touch, scheduled time together, active listening, and flexible behavior, couples can weather this challenging period in their relationship with greater ease and resilience.
How do partners adapt intimacy and communication behaviors to accommodate shifting deployment schedules and assignments?
Partners often have different approaches to dealing with deployment schedules and assignments. Some partners may choose to stay connected through frequent phone calls and video chats while others may prefer written communication such as emails and letters. The choice of communication medium depends on the partner's comfort level and preference. Additionally, some partners may decide to focus on their individual interests during deployments, while others may try to spend more time together when reunited after long periods apart.