Military deployments can be stressful for both spouses involved, but they can also have different impacts on their relationship. Deployment may make it more difficult for couples to connect emotionally due to the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that comes with it.
This can also lead to increased communication between partners which helps them stay connected while apart. In this article, we will explore how deployments impact the emotional availability and communication patterns of military couples.
Anticipation of deployment
The anticipation of deployment is often the most difficult part of the process for military families. The unknown can cause fear, anxiety, and worry about what might happen during separation. This can affect the couple's emotional availability, as one partner may become distant or avoidant out of fear of being left alone. They may withdraw from physical contact, such as hugging or kissing, or from emotional intimacy like sharing feelings or expressing love. This can create a sense of isolation and loneliness in the relationship, making it harder to communicate effectively.
Some couples may find that the anticipation of deployment brings them closer together. They may spend more time talking about their fears and worries, opening up and sharing feelings that they may not have expressed before. This can help build trust and connection within the relationship, making it stronger when faced with the challenges of deployment. It can also provide opportunities for growth and development as they learn to communicate better under pressure.
During deployment
During deployment, communication between military couples becomes even more important. With long periods of time apart, it can be easy to drift apart emotionally. Without regular face-to-face contact, couples must rely on other forms of communication like phone calls, video chats, or letters. This can make it hard to connect emotionally, but it can also allow partners to practice effective communication skills. They may need to learn how to listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and use positive language to keep the conversation going.
Some couples may also find that distance creates new opportunities for intimacy. Long-distance relationships require creativity and effort to maintain closeness, leading many couples to try new things like sexting, video calls, or sending care packages. These activities can help keep the spark alive and increase physical and emotional connection despite being apart.
After deployment
After deployment, reconnecting can be difficult. Partners who were distant during anticipation may struggle to rekindle emotional intimacy, while others may feel overwhelmed by all the emotions that come with reunification. Some couples may experience post-deployment stress disorder (PDS) which can affect their ability to communicate effectively and lead to arguments or resentment. Communication patterns established during deployment are often sustained afterward, so it's essential for couples to continue practicing effective communication skills.
Deployments have a significant impact on the emotional availability and communication patterns of military couples. The fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that comes with separation can cause withdrawal, but it can also bring people closer together. During deployment, couples may need to rely on alternative methods of communication and intimacy, and afterward they may face challenges in reconnecting. With openness, patience, and effort, these obstacles can be overcome, making military relationships stronger than ever.
How does the anticipation of deployment affect emotional availability and communication patterns in military couples?
Anticipating deployment can be a stressful experience for military couples, and it may have an impact on their emotional availability and communication patterns. Deployment anxiety can lead to feelings of fear, sadness, and uncertainty, which can make it difficult to connect emotionally with one's partner. Additionally, the time leading up to deployment may involve significant changes in routine and lifestyle, as well as preparations for separation, which can also affect the way that couples interact with each other.