When people are apart for extended periods of time because of military service or relocation due to work or school, they can experience difficulties maintaining emotional closeness and physical connection. It's important that couples find ways to stay connected even when they cannot be physically together. Here are some strategies for how to sustain intimacy after a long-distance relationship:
1. Regular Communication: Couples need to stay in touch regularly through phone calls, video chats, emails, texts, social media messaging, and letters. They should share updates about their lives, talk about their feelings, and keep each other informed. This will help them feel more connected and supportive during the separation.
2. Mutual Support: Long-distance couples can show mutual support by being there for each other emotionally, offering encouragement, and celebrating achievements. They can also send gifts, cards, or care packages to remind each other of their love and commitment. This helps build trust and strengthens the bond between them.
3. Physical Touch: Even though they may not be able to be physically together, couples can still engage in sensual activities such as kissing, cuddling, holding hands, and sending sexy messages. These can help create a sense of intimacy and physical connection despite the distance.
4. Sharing Memories: Talking about shared experiences, memories, and dreams can help deepen the emotional connection between partners. This can include sharing photos, videos, music, or other items from their past relationships. They can also make plans for future adventures to look forward to together.
5. Romance and Intimacy: Long-distance couples can still enjoy romantic gestures such as writing love notes, making dinner reservations for when they reunite, scheduling dates on opposite sides of the world, and planning special events over video chat. They can also explore new ways to express their sexuality through online games, erotic stories, or role-playing scenarios.
6. Time Management: It's important that both partners make time for themselves and maintain separate lives during the separation. This will prevent feelings of jealousy and insecurity from building up. They should also schedule regular check-ins with each other to discuss any concerns or problems they are having.
While long-distance separations can be challenging, couples who stay connected emotionally and physically can sustain intimacy and grow closer than ever before. By using these strategies, they can maintain their bond and prepare for reunion when it finally happens.
How do couples sustain intimacy after long-distance separation due to military service or migration?
A study of 580 individuals who were separated by military deployment or immigration found that communication frequency and quality was an important factor in maintaining intimacy between partners (Brown & Brown, 2017). They suggest that couples should make regular contact with each other through any means available, such as phone calls, emails, and video chats. In addition, sharing feelings and experiences with one another can help keep their relationship strong.