Relational disappointment is an experience that occurs when someone has high expectations for another person's behavior but those expectations are not met. When it comes to military service, this can be especially difficult because service members often form close bonds with their peers during training and deployments. They may rely on one another for support, trust, and friendship.
It is common for these relationships to change once they return home from deployment. In some cases, peers fail to meet emotional support or loyalty expectations, which can lead to relational disappointment. This article will explore how service members handle these situations and ways to overcome them.
Handling Relational Disappointment
When peers fail to meet expectations, service members have a few options for handling the situation. Some may choose to distance themselves from the relationship and find new friends who better align with their values. Others may try to work through the issues and repair the relationship. Still, others may simply accept that the relationship is no longer what they want or need. Here are three strategies for handling relational disappointment:
1. Distance yourself from the relationship - Sometimes, the best way to deal with relational disappointment is to move on entirely. If your peer has consistently failed to provide emotional support or loyalty, it may be time to cut ties and find new people to connect with. This can be difficult if you have been close for a long time, but it can also help you avoid further pain.
2. Work through the issues - If you believe the relationship can still be saved, you may choose to work through the problems together. This can involve talking about your needs and expectations and finding solutions that work for both parties. It can be challenging, but sometimes worthwhile if the relationship is otherwise valuable.
3. Accept the situation -
You may decide that the relationship is no longer viable and must end. While this can be sad, it can free up space in your life for other relationships that are more fulfilling. Remember that there is always hope for a better future, even if the past was not ideal.
Tips for Overcoming Relational Disappointment
Overcoming relational disappointment can take time and effort, but these tips may help:
- Practice self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling to manage stress and anxiety related to the situation
- Seek out social support from friends and family who understand your experience
- Reframe your thinking by focusing on the positive aspects of your current situation
- Consider professional counseling if needed
Relational disappointment is a normal part of human interaction.
When it happens in military service, it can feel especially painful because of the strong bonds formed during deployment. By understanding the causes of this issue and strategies for handling it, service members can move forward with renewed strength and positivity.
How do service members handle relational disappointment when peers fail to meet expectations for emotional support or loyalty?
Many people experience relational disappointments with their peers. These may occur due to unmet emotional support needs or betrayal of trust. In some cases, these incidents can lead to feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. People may also feel lonely, disconnected from others, and lacking in meaningful relationships. The psychological effects of such experiences are often complex and require professional intervention.