When a couple is facing a stressful situation, such as deployment or being apart for an extended period due to military service, it can be difficult to maintain trust and emotional engagement.
There are several strategies that can help military couples stay connected and support each other through these challenges. Here are five strategies that have been proven effective:
1. Communication: One of the most important things a couple can do to maintain trust and emotional engagement during high-stress periods is to communicate openly and honestly with each other. This includes talking about feelings, sharing thoughts and concerns, and actively listening to one another. Couples who communicate well tend to build stronger bonds and feel more connected even when they are apart.
2. Keeping busy: When faced with stressful situations, it can be tempting to withdraw from communication or become distracted by other things.
This can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Instead, military couples should make sure they find ways to keep themselves engaged and occupied so they don't get bogged down in negative thoughts. Taking up new hobbies, spending time with friends, or working on personal projects can all be helpful in this regard.
3. Setting boundaries: Military life often involves sacrifices and compromises, which can put strain on relationships. To avoid burnout, couples need to set clear boundaries around their time together and alone. They may need to prioritize certain activities over others, and be willing to say "no" to requests that would take away from their time together.
4. Finding common ground: In addition to setting boundaries, couples should work to find common interests and shared experiences. This could involve going out on dates, taking classes together, or finding other ways to spend quality time together. It will help them feel closer and remind them of why they fell in love in the first place.
5. Seeking support:
Military couples should not hesitate to seek professional help if needed. A counselor or therapist can provide objective advice and guidance on how to navigate difficult emotions and maintain trust during high-stress periods. They can also offer practical solutions for resolving conflict and improving communication.
Military couples who want to stay connected during stressful times must be intentional about their relationship and communicate openly and honestly. By following these strategies, they can build a strong foundation of trust and support that will carry them through any challenges they face.
What strategies help military couples maintain trust and emotional engagement during high-stress periods?
Trust and emotional engagement are essential components of any healthy relationship but they can be particularly challenging for military couples who face unique stressors due to frequent separations, deployments, and life transitions. Building and maintaining trust in a military marriage requires open communication, understanding, and a willingness to work together as partners through difficult times. One strategy that helps military couples maintain trust is to set aside regular time to check-in with each other about their feelings and experiences.