Sexual satisfaction is essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship. During prolonged military deployments, it can be challenging to keep up with sexual health due to physical distance and emotional strain.
There are several ways that couples can promote relational satisfaction, sexual health, and emotional repair despite these obstacles.
Communication is crucial. Couples should regularly check in with each other and share their feelings, fears, desires, and needs. This helps to build trust, intimacy, and understanding. They should also discuss their expectations regarding sex while apart. It's important to agree on what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior during deployment so that both partners feel comfortable and safe.
They might decide to refrain from sexting or sharing explicit images unless express permission is given.
Setting boundaries is necessary. Both partners should establish ground rules for phone calls, video chats, emails, and letters. These guidelines help prevent misunderstandings and reduce temptation.
One partner may ask for limited contact or specify times when they don't want to talk about certain topics. It's also vital to respect these boundaries even if it's difficult or inconvenient.
Virtual sex or masturbating alone can help bridge the physical gap. This option allows for intimate connection and release without compromising confidentiality or safety. If either partner has an STI or STD, they must practice safe sexual behaviors. Also, they need to discuss any fantasies or fetishes beforehand to avoid hurt feelings or embarrassment.
Couples can keep track of their sexual encounters by recording them in a journal or app. Tracking frequency, types of activities, and emotions afterward can help identify patterns and address concerns.
If one partner feels less aroused than usual, this information could lead to conversations about underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or low libido.
Seeking professional support can be helpful. Counselors trained in military family therapy are available to provide guidance, insight, and techniques for maintaining healthy relationships while apart. They can assist with communication skills, conflict resolution, and problem-solving strategies to enhance relational satisfaction and sexual health.
By taking these steps, couples can promote sexual health and emotional repair during prolonged deployments.
What mechanisms promote relational satisfaction, sexual health, and emotional repair during prolonged deployments?
Research shows that maintaining regular contact with family members and close friends can help prevent loneliness and depression among deployed soldiers (Mueller et al. , 2017). Additionally, soldiers who engage in physical activity or hobbies such as reading and writing have better mental health outcomes compared to those who do not (Zajacova & Lynch, 2016).