Partners have to adjust their behavior toward each other when their significant others come back from deployment cycles. This is because returning military personnel often experience changes in mood, attitudes, and personality. They may feel more aggressive or passive-aggressive towards their loved ones and friends. Their posture can be stiff and rigid, they tend to withdraw into themselves, and they might become prone to angry outbursts. Many soldiers are depressed, anxious, stressed, sad, or even suicidal after being away for long periods of time. These emotional shifts make them act differently than before deployment, which puts strain on all aspects of their lives, including their relationship.
The most obvious change in a soldier's life is that he/she experiences trauma during combat operations, both physical and mental. This leaves lasting effects that stay with him/her after the tour is finished. Trauma makes people afraid, jumpy, hypervigilant, easily irritable, paranoid, or suspicious. It also increases feelings of guilt and shame. Some soldiers suffer from PTSD, which causes them to relive past events through flashbacks, nightmares, hallucinations, and daydreams. Others turn to alcohol, drugs, or gambling as coping mechanisms, which further deteriorates their relationships. All these factors affect how they think about love, sex, intimacy, and commitment.
Many veterans no longer find pleasure in activities they used to enjoy before deployment. They may have trouble communicating with their partners and expressing affection openly. They may seem distant and unemotional and lose interest in sex altogether. If they do engage in it, they may feel detached and mechanical. This creates tension between partners because their needs remain the same while those of their returning significant other has changed. Partners have to learn to adapt by taking the initiative more often, not expecting their partner to always take the lead, and showing patience.
Soldiers who develop new emotional needs can benefit from therapy sessions with their partners. These help couples identify and understand each other's fears and vulnerabilities. They also provide practical strategies on how to cope better with stress and anxiety. Therapists offer support for both parties so they can rebuild trust and intimacy. Couples therapy is especially important if one party suffers from depression, trauma-related disorders, or substance abuse problems. Other options include couples retreats, counseling, and group workshops that allow military families to share experiences.
When soldiers return home after deployment cycles, they experience changes in personality and behavior that cause rifts in their romantic relationships. Their partners must be patient, understanding, and willing to accommodate them as they go through a period of adjustment. With professional help, this process becomes easier and faster, allowing all parties involved to build stronger bonds based on mutual respect, appreciation, and love.
How do partners adapt when soldiers develop new emotional needs following deployment cycles?
Soldiers undergo several life changes upon return from active duty that often require adjustments within their intimate relationships. Some of these adaptations can result in different needs and desires that may not be understood by their partners due to limited knowledge about military culture. This can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and even conflicts between partners, who are likely unaware of how much the soldier has changed during the absence.