Partners Maintain Relational Continuity When Soldiers' Behaviors, Values, or Priorities Shift Significantly After Deployment
When a soldier returns home from a deployment abroad, their behaviors, values, and priorities may have shifted significantly due to the unique challenges they faced while serving their country.
Despite these changes, it is important for partners to maintain relational continuity and work together to adapt to this new dynamic. This can be achieved through open communication, shared experiences, and understanding each other's needs and perspectives.
Open communication is key when dealing with significant behavioral shifts after deployment. It allows both partners to express their feelings, fears, and concerns without judgment or shame. Talking about what has changed can help partners come up with solutions that work for both of them.
If one partner has become more reserved or quiet since returning from a deployment, they might benefit from having space to process their emotions alone before reconnecting socially. If another partner feels like their relationship has grown distant due to less time spent together, they could suggest planning regular date nights or activities to strengthen their bond. By being honest and vulnerable with each other, partners can build trust and work towards finding common ground.
Shared experiences can also foster relational continuity between partners who are facing behavioral shifts after deployment. Participating in new hobbies or activities together can create lasting memories and bring the couple closer emotionally. Exploring different parts of town or trying out new restaurants can help rekindle the excitement of dating and make the couple feel connected again. In addition, attending therapy sessions or support groups for military families can provide a safe space for couples to share their experiences and connect with others going through similar challenges. These activities allow partners to grow closer as individuals while also strengthening their relationship as a team.
Understanding each other's perspectives is crucial for maintaining relational continuity despite changes in values or priorities. Partners should strive to be empathetic and patient, recognizing that the person coming home may have had very different experiences than they did during their deployment. This means listening actively, asking questions, and showing compassion when necessary. It also means acknowledging that some behaviors may not be easily changed overnight but that progress can be made over time with patience and effort.
If one partner becomes more independent or self-sufficient after returning from a deployment, they might need extra encouragement from their partner to engage in intimacy or socialize with friends. By understanding and appreciating these differences, partners can find ways to compromise and move forward together.
Maintaining relational continuity when soldiers' behaviors, values, or priorities shift significantly after deployment requires open communication, shared experiences, and an understanding of each other's perspectives. With this approach, partners can work together towards building a stronger, healthier relationship that supports both individuals' needs and goals.
How do partners maintain relational continuity when soldiers' behaviors, values, or priorities shift significantly after deployment?
Psychologists argue that maintaining relational continuity can be challenging during military deployments due to several reasons, including changes in behaviors, values, and priorities (Sorenson & Penkowska, 2019).