The topic of this article is how redeployment can impact the experience of intimate moments between partners. When a soldier is deployed to war, they may be separated from their partner for extended periods of time, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. This sense of separation can also extend to the bedroom, as soldiers may worry about being able to perform physically during intimate encounters when they return home.
There are several ways that couples can plan ahead for these issues and ensure that they remain intimately connected even while apart. In the following sections, we will explore some strategies that military couples can use to maintain healthy intimacy and sexual engagement despite the challenges of deployment.
Strategies for Maintaining Intimacy During Deployment
When a soldier is deployed, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of closeness and connection with their partner. This lack of physical proximity can make it hard for both parties to feel emotionally and sexually fulfilled. Here are some strategies that military couples can use to stay connected:
1. Communication - Open communication is essential in any relationship, but especially so during times of deployment. Couples should communicate regularly via phone or email to discuss their emotional needs and desires, as well as their physical ones. This can help to create an environment where both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring new ideas for intimacy.
2. Foreplay - It's important for couples to remember that foreplay does not only happen before intercourse; it can also be a way to connect and build anticipation remotely. Military couples can send each other erotic messages, share sexy photos, or engage in virtual role-playing games to keep the spark alive between them.
3. Sex Toys - Using sex toys can be a great way for military couples to stay connected even when they are physically separated. They can purchase vibrators or other devices that allow them to simulate physical contact from afar, or simply set aside time to masturbate together over video chat.
4. Fantasy - Fantasizing about one another can also be a powerful tool for keeping sexual tension high while apart. Partners can share their fantasies with each other and encourage each other to explore them, which can lead to more exciting encounters when they finally do reunite.
5. Date nights - Even when soldiers are deployed, they can still plan date nights with their partner. These dates may take place virtually, such as by watching movies or playing online games together, but they can provide opportunities for fun, bonding, and connection.
Overcoming Deployment-Related Challenges
While redeployment can present some unique challenges for military couples, there are ways to overcome these obstacles and maintain healthy intimacy and sexual engagement:
1. Physical changes - The stress of deployment can cause physical changes in both partners that may affect their ability to perform sexually. It's important for couples to discuss any issues openly and work together to find solutions.
If one partner has gained weight due to stress eating, they may need to make dietary adjustments or exercise more regularly.
2. Emotional distance - It's natural for partners to feel emotionally distant during periods of separation, but this can impact the experience of intimacy between them. Couples should strive to remain emotionally connected even when physically apart, sharing feelings and thoughts with one another and making time for mutual support.
3. Boredom - Some couples may struggle to stay engaged without the excitement of new experiences. To combat boredom, they can explore new hobbies or activities together that don't require physical proximity, such as taking up a sport or learning a new language. This can create a sense of shared interest and purpose outside of the bedroom.
4. Reintegration -
Returning home from deployment can be just as difficult as leaving it. Partners may have trouble readjusting to being around each other constantly, which can lead to conflict and frustration. Military couples should prepare themselves mentally for this transition and work on communication skills beforehand to ensure a smooth reunion.
Military couples can take steps to maintain their connection and intimacy despite the challenges of deployment. By communicating openly, engaging in foreplay and fantasy, using sex toys, setting aside date nights, overcoming physical and emotional changes, and preparing for reintegration, they can keep the spark alive even when they are far away from each other.
How does the anticipation of redeployment affect planning for intimacy and sexual engagement?
Planning for intimacy and sexual engagement is affected by the anticipation of redeployment as it can lead to stress and anxiety which in turn may impact the individual's ability to connect emotionally with their partner. The sense of instability that comes with the uncertainty of when they will be returning home again can make individuals feel uneasy about committing themselves fully to their partners and this may result in less frequent sex and more conflict within the relationship.