How do partners sustain trust when secrecy or emotional withholding becomes a survival strategy for the soldier?
When soldiers are deployed to combat zones or face life-threatening situations, they may resort to secrecy or emotional withholding as a way to protect themselves from feeling vulnerable and exposed. This can lead to distance between them and their loved ones back home, making it difficult to maintain trust. Partners need to understand why this behavior occurs and find ways to overcome it together.
One reason for secrecy or emotional withholding is that soldiers may feel uncomfortable sharing personal details about their experiences or fear being judged for what they have seen or done. They may also be worried about hurting their partner's feelings or causing tension if they reveal too much. Some soldiers may even feel ashamed or guilty about their actions during deployment and withdraw emotionally to cope.
Without open communication and honesty, partners cannot build a strong foundation of trust.
To address these issues, partners should communicate regularly and create a safe space for their loved one to share their thoughts and feelings. This means listening actively, asking questions, and offering support rather than judgment. It can also help to set boundaries around sensitive topics and avoid pressuring your partner into opening up prematurely.
Another approach is to focus on shared interests and activities that bring you closer together, such as hobbies, exercise, or volunteer work. By creating positive memories and spending quality time together, partners can strengthen their bond and provide comfort in times of stress.
Some couples choose to seek professional help to improve communication skills and resolve conflicts. Counseling can provide an objective perspective and tools for resolving conflict constructively. If necessary, partners may consider temporary separation until the soldier has adjusted to civilian life again.
Trust requires effort and commitment from both sides. Partners need to understand that secrecy or emotional distance are coping mechanisms that their loved one uses to survive, but they do not have to become permanent barriers between them. With patience, understanding, and compassion, partners can overcome these challenges and rebuild their relationship stronger than before.
How do partners sustain trust when secrecy or emotional withholding becomes a survival strategy for the soldier?
Partners of military personnel may sustain trust by recognizing that secrecy and emotional withholding are sometimes necessary for their partner's survival as a soldier and not taking it personally. They can also engage in open communication about the reasons behind the secrecy and emotional withholding, reassure themselves and their partner that they understand and support their needs, and work together on building a strong foundation of mutual respect and support.