Soldiers face many challenges when they go into battle, but one of the most important is how to maintain strong, healthy relationships even while under extreme stress. Here are some strategies that can help soldiers build and maintain relational trust and intimacy during difficult times.
1) Communication is key - Soldiers need to make sure they communicate their feelings and needs openly and honestly with their partners. This includes talking about what's going on in their lives, sharing their hopes and fears, and expressing affection regularly. It also means being willing to listen to their partner's concerns and taking them seriously. Good communication helps create an emotional bond that will strengthen the relationship.
2) Show physical affection - Touching each other physically can be a great way for couples to show love and support. Whether it's holding hands, hugging, kissing, or something more intimate, this kind of contact can help reassure both parties that they still care deeply for each other despite the distance. When possible, take advantage of opportunities to be together and enjoy each other's company.
3) Stay connected emotionally - Even if you aren't physically together, staying emotionally close is essential for maintaining relational trust and intimacy. Make time to video chat, write letters, send emails, and text messages. Share stories, jokes, and experiences from your day-to-day life. These small gestures can help keep the connection alive even when you can't see each other.
4) Be patient - Relationships can be tough at the best of times, but add in long periods of separation, stress, and uncertainty, and things can get really challenging. Be patient with each other and don't expect perfection. Understand that there may be days when you argue or feel frustrated with each other; acknowledge those feelings without letting them become larger issues than they need to be.
5) Prioritize self-care - Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is crucial for maintaining good relationships. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and find ways to relax and de-stress. This will make you more resilient and able to handle the demands of military life while also keeping your relationship strong.
What strategies help soldiers maintain relational trust and intimacy under extreme stress?
Despite the fact that serving one's country is a noble cause, military life has its challenges. One of the greatest hurdles faced by many service members is the separation from their loved ones for long periods of time, which can be emotionally draining and lonely. The isolation can erode relational trust and intimacy, leading to marital discord and family instability when reunited with spouses and children after deployment.