Strategies for Sustaining Relationship Continuity during Military Deployment
When married partners go away from each other for extended periods due to their jobs, it can be difficult to maintain the relationship. While there are numerous reasons why this is challenging, the most common challenge is that they must rely heavily on digital communication instead of being able to talk face-to-face. Here are some techniques you may use to keep your relationship going when one partner is deployed:
1) Keep your lines of interaction open - As often as possible, communicate with your spouse either verbally or in writing. This could involve emailing, texting, video chatting, or phone calls. Maintain open channels of communication throughout both parties' schedules while respecting the time zones in which they operate. Make sure you don't try to interrupt them because it may be important for them to speak with others, especially if they have coworkers who serve alongside them. When interacting via written messages, make an effort to avoid abbreviated language and write clearly so that your message comes through loud and clear without needing clarification.
2) Be considerate of time differences - If you know what time zones your partner is working in, make an effort to schedule communications around those times. If you live in different time zones, adjust your sleep/wake cycles accordingly so that you can chat at more convenient hours. You may also ask your partner if you should set aside a specific period every day for checking in with each other.
3) Stay interested in each other's lives - Show interest in your spouse by asking questions about his or her daily activities during deployments. Ask about where they are located, what their responsibilities include, how much they enjoy serving in the military, etc. Don't just focus on yourself; let your partner share details from their life too. Share updates about your own life—family members coming over, plans for weekends or vacations, funny stories from work or school—so that he or she feels like part of your world even though they aren't physically present.
4) Plan future events together - Consider planning special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries ahead of time when one partner will likely be away. Discuss where you want to go on vacation once they return home again, which could help keep both partners motivated while waiting out deployment periods. Schedule video calls on important days (such as Mother's Day or Father's Day) so that there is something extra special about them this year. Make sure not only do you have these scheduled but also that everyone else does too!
5) Set realistic expectations - Recognize that relationships will change during times of separation due to distance between partners. Understand that it's natural to miss each other's physical presence, but try to remain open-minded regarding new routines during this phase in your relationship's development. This includes being honest about what kind of intimacy levels might be available given different living situations and schedules. If sexual intimacy isn't possible right now because one partner cannot come home at all then agreeing upon alternative ways to connect emotionally can really help sustain connection until next reunion.
By implementing these strategies into your daily routine, couples can stay connected even if apart for extended periods. It takes effort and intentionality but remains worthwhile because it preserves the emotional bond that allows military partnerships to thrive despite environmental instability.
What strategies allow military couples to sustain relational continuity during environmental instability?
Military couples are often challenged by long deployments, frequent moves, and unpredictable work schedules. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety that strain relationships. One strategy for maintaining relational continuity is communication. Regular check-ins via phone calls, video chat, or email help partners feel connected even when apart. Another strategy is establishing family rituals such as shared meals or activities like watching movies together on Skype.