Soldiers have unique challenges when it comes to staying connected with their significant others while away from home for extended periods of time due to military service. While there are many practical steps that can be taken to ensure regular communication, such as setting up video calls or writing letters, one of the most important factors is maintaining trust and closeness between partners. This requires both emotional and physical effort, but with dedication and planning, soldiers can find ways to keep the flame alive even during long separations.
Here are some strategies that soldiers can employ to maintain trust and closeness with partners during long periods of separation:
1. Establish clear expectations - Before deployment, couples should discuss what they need from each other during this time apart and set realistic goals. This could include agreeing to check in regularly, sending care packages or love notes, or scheduling phone dates. Having these guidelines in place can help avoid misunderstandings and build confidence in the relationship.
2. Practice active listening - Soldiers should make an extra effort to actively listen to their partner's concerns and needs, asking questions and providing support when needed. This means going beyond just hearing their words and actually paying attention to their feelings and desires.
A soldier might ask about their partner's day-to-day routine, hobbies, or struggles.
3. Stay physically connected - If possible, soldiers should try to send photos, videos, or voice messages to their partner so they feel more present in their lives. This can also help reassure them that you are thinking about them and still committed to the relationship. Consider sending small gifts or surprises that remind your partner of happier times together.
4. Be honest and transparent - Transparency is key to building trust and preventing misunderstandings. Soldiers should be open and direct about their emotions and experiences while away from home, sharing both positive and negative aspects of military life. It is important not to gloss over difficult moments but instead to address them head-on with honesty and empathy.
5. Find ways to connect virtually - Virtual intimacy is possible through video calls, text messaging, social media, or online dating apps. These platforms can provide a sense of closeness even if you are miles apart. They allow couples to share jokes, exchange stories, and express affection without physical contact.
6. Plan for reunions - Reunions after deployment can be exciting but stressful for both partners. Make sure to plan ahead for this time by discussing logistics like scheduling conflicts or travel arrangements. Take time to reconnect emotionally as well, perhaps by taking walks or going on dates. Use these opportunities to rebuild trust and deepen your connection.
Maintaining trust and closeness during long separations takes effort and dedication from both parties. By setting clear expectations, staying actively connected, being honest and open, finding virtual connections, planning for reunions, and engaging in active listening, soldiers can keep their relationships strong even when they are far apart.
What strategies do soldiers employ to maintain trust and closeness with partners during long periods of separation?
The most common strategies that soldiers often resort to are keeping up regular communication through emails, phone calls, letters, video chats, or other forms of technology. This helps them stay connected emotionally and mentally despite the physical distance between them. Additionally, they may also try to find ways to be creative in expressing their love and affection for each other through gifts, surprises, and acts of kindness.