How do soldiers adjust their intimate relationship patterns when they are apart for months or years due to deployment? This is an important question that affects thousands of couples around the world who have family members serving in the military. In this article, we will explore how soldiers can deal with the challenges of separation and maintain healthy and fulfilling intimacy while deployed.
The first thing to understand about soldier-partner communication is that it involves many factors beyond physical contact. Soldiers and partners need to make sure that they communicate regularly and honestly about their feelings, needs, desires, goals, fears, hopes, and expectations. They should also be open to each other's suggestions and opinions and willing to compromise if necessary. Communication is key during long separations because it helps both parties feel connected even though they may not see each other as often as they would like. It also helps them build trust and respect, which are essential elements of any successful relationship.
Another factor to consider is scheduling time together. Soldiers and partners should try to find ways to connect daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on the length of their deployments. This can involve phone calls, video chats, text messages, emails, letters, or social media. Some couples even choose to create a shared calendar so they can plan activities together before the soldier departs or after their return home. These activities can include watching movies, reading books, going on hikes, cooking dinner, or just talking.
Intimacy strategies differ from couple to couple, but some common tactics include writing love notes, sending care packages, sharing photos, exchanging gifts, keeping a journal or diary, and engaging in sexual acts (such as masturbating). Some soldiers and partners prefer to keep things lighthearted and fun, while others want to focus on more serious topics such as finances, parenting, or career goals. Whatever approach is taken, it should be based on mutual understanding and respect for each other's boundaries.
Soldiers need to remember that their deployment will end eventually, and they will be reunited with their loved ones again. During this time, they must prioritize their physical health, mental well-being, and emotional stability. They should eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, avoid drugs and alcohol, talk about their feelings openly, seek professional help if needed, and take advantage of military resources available to them. Partners should also encourage their significant others to stay positive and engaged during this difficult period by offering support, reassurance, and validation.
Soldiers and partners should not forget to enjoy themselves while apart. This means doing things that make them happy, whether it's pursuing hobbies or interests solo, spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, or simply relaxing at home. It also means accepting the separation gracefully and trusting each other completely. As long as both parties work together towards these goals, their intimate relationship can thrive even when they are miles away from one another.
How do soldiers adapt intimacy strategies during prolonged separations or rotational deployments?
Adapting to prolonged separations is a significant challenge for soldiers, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection from loved ones. To cope with these challenges, some soldiers may develop new ways of communicating with their partners that help them maintain a sense of closeness and connection despite being apart.