The Importance of Maintaining Intimacy and Attachment Across Repeated Rotational Deployments
The deployment of military personnel is an integral part of their job.
It comes at the cost of being away from family members for extended periods. When a couple has to deal with multiple deployments, it can be challenging to maintain intimacy and closeness. This issue is crucial because the lack of intimacy can lead to emotional distance, marital problems, and even divorce.
When a partner goes out on deployment, they may experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress due to separation from their loved ones. The effects of repeated deployments can cause long-term emotional trauma that affects the couple's relationship. To counteract this effect, couples need to find ways to stay emotionally connected despite the distance between them. Some ways include:
1. Communication - Regular communication is essential during deployments. Couples should communicate regularly through text messages or phone calls to discuss their day-to-day activities and share updates about their lives. They can also send each other gifts, letters, or videos to keep the romantic spark alive.
2. Shared experiences - Couples can create shared experiences by watching movies or TV shows together virtually. This activity helps them connect even when they are not physically present in the same room. It gives them something to look forward to after returning home.
3. Patience - Deployment requires patience on both sides as there will be misunderstandings and frustrations along the way. Both partners must understand the other person's perspective and avoid blaming or criticizing one another.
4. Trust - Military life involves trust as service members have access to sensitive information and may work under pressure. Both partners must trust each other completely, even if there are doubts and suspicions.
5. Physical Intimacy - While physical contact is not possible while apart, couples can use technology such as video chats and photos to maintain sexual intimacy. They can also schedule sex dates for when they reunite to strengthen their bond.
Military couples must focus on maintaining intimacy and attachment across repeated rotational deployments to ensure a successful marriage or relationship. The above tips can help build emotional closeness and reduce emotional trauma from deployment separations. Remember that it takes effort and commitment from both parties to make this work.
How do couples maintain intimacy and attachment across repeated rotational deployments?
Maintaining intimacy and attachment in a military relationship requires effort from both partners as it is challenging due to frequent moves and long periods of separation during deployment. Couples can stay connected through various means such as regular communication, prioritizing quality time together when possible, supporting each other's needs and interests, and exploring new ways to express love and affection remotely. It is important for them to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed, especially if they experience difficulties.