Soldiers are required to serve their countries and protect them from various dangers and threats which may arise.
These dangers or threats can be either physical or emotional. One of the most common emotional factors that affects the lives of soldiers is the lack of relational intimacy between couples. In this case, it becomes difficult for partners to find ways to maintain healthy relationships due to constant operational stresses faced by the soldiers. This article explains how soldiers sustain relational intimacy when they face continuous operational stress or threats.
Soldiers must ensure that there is regular communication between themselves and their partners. Communication helps couples to understand each other better hence developing trust between them. Regular communication enables partners to keep track of each other's activities and life progress. This makes it easy for them to work out problems that may arise within the relationship. They also get to know what the partner is thinking about thus helping them to take good care of each other.
Regular communication allows couples to share their feelings without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Couples should make time to meet regularly. Meeting physically makes it easier for couples to develop intimacy despite facing challenges in the relationship. It helps them to catch up on issues that they might have not discussed on phone calls or texts. Physical presence gives a feeling of being together even when separated by distance. This increases the level of intimacy between the couple hence making them closer than ever before. Couples should also try to spend more time with each other during off-duty periods to make up for lost times in the past. This creates memories which are likely to be remembered forever and keep the spark alive in future.
Couples should show love and affection towards each other. Love and affection are essential ingredients in any relationship. This means that couples should always find ways to express their love for each other. By showing each other kindness, appreciation, and gratitude, partners will always feel loved and appreciated. This helps to build intimacy and increase the level of commitment in the relationship. As much as possible, soldiers should remember important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or special events. On such days, they should surprise their partners with thoughtful gifts that will bring back fond memories.
Couples should try new things together. Trying out new activities or hobbies strengthens bonds between partners. This is because these activities help them to know each other better while having fun at the same time.
Soldiers can take their partners hiking or camping to nature reserves where they will enjoy fresh air away from the noisy city life. This helps to create memorable moments shared by both parties.
Partners should never underestimate the power of communication through technology. Communicating virtually helps couples to share intimate thoughts without necessarily being physically present. They get to understand each other's emotions and feelings hence developing a deep understanding of the partner. It also ensures that the couple remains connected even when one party is far away from home. Therefore, soldiers should make use of this opportunity and communicate regularly with their partners.
Sustaining relational intimacy between soldiers and their partners can be challenging due to operational threats or stress faced by the soldiers.
Couples can maintain healthy relationships by communicating more often, making regular visits, showing love and affection, trying out new things together, and using technology for communication purposes.
How do soldiers sustain relational intimacy when partners face continuous operational threats or stress?
The ability of military couples to maintain healthy relationships is often challenged by long separations due to operational missions. These situations can be mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing on both partners and require them to establish communication channels that foster closeness despite distance. Research shows that effective communication between military spouses helps them feel connected while apart and promotes positive outcomes like less relationship distress.