Soldiers often find it difficult to sustain close relationships when they are deployed away from their partners for extended periods. This can cause emotional strain and communication problems that may eventually lead to relationship breakups.
There are ways to keep your relationship strong even while you're away.
1) Communication is key: Keeping open and honest communication with your partner is essential when you're apart. Talk about your feelings regularly, listen actively, and be responsive to their needs. Make sure you stay up to date on what's happening back home, but don't bombard them with too much information.
2) Plan ahead: Before you leave, discuss how you will communicate while you're gone, including whether you'll call, text, email, video chat, or send letters. Establish boundaries around this so both of you know what to expect.
3) Share your experience: While you're away, share photos, videos, and stories with your partner so they feel connected to what you're doing. Send care packages or gifts, or make a promise to do something special together when you return.
4) Set realistic expectations: It's important to remember that deployments can be stressful for everyone involved. Don't put unrealistic pressure on yourself or your partner to maintain perfect intimacy during separation. Accept that things will change and be patient as you reconnect after deployment.
5) Be flexible: Things may not go exactly as planned, and unexpected circumstances can arise. Be understanding and willing to adjust to new situations as needed.
6) Seek support: If you're struggling emotionally or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of deployment, seek out professional help or talk to someone you trust. You may also want to consider couples counseling once you return from deployment.
7) Take time: The process of reintegration takes time and patience. Give each other space and avoid jumping into old routines right away. Talk about any changes in your relationship openly and work through them together.
By following these tips, soldiers can maintain relational trust and intimacy during cycles of deployment, separation, and reintegration. With patience, communication, and mutual support, it is possible to stay strong even when apart.
How do soldiers maintain relational trust and intimacy during cycles of deployment, separation, and reintegration?
The experience of war brings about many challenges for soldiers including frequent separations from loved ones due to deployment cycles, which can impact relational trust and intimacy with family members and friends back home. In order to sustain healthy relationships, soldiers may engage in various strategies such as communication, planning, and sharing experiences. Communication is essential to maintaining relational trust and intimacy.