After experiencing a collective traumatic event together, couples may struggle to maintain their intimate relationship. This is because they have experienced something that has shaken them to their core, and it can be difficult to return to normalcy without understanding the impact of what happened.
There are ways for couples to work through this and maintain intimacy despite the challenges.
It's important to acknowledge what you both went through and how it affected each of you individually. This means being honest about your feelings and communication needs. Discuss how you feel about the trauma and any issues that arose from it.
Did one partner experience more trauma than the other? Was there a disagreement about how to handle things during the event? Being open and transparent will help build trust between partners and create an environment where intimacy can flourish again.
Make time for each other regularly. Even if the event was life-changing, continue to engage in activities that bring you joy as a couple. Plan date nights or weekend getaways away from home, but also spend quality time at home together. Maintain a regular schedule of physical contact such as hugging, cuddling, and kissing. Share experiences with each other, even if they don't involve sex or sexuality directly. Touch is a powerful tool for building intimacy, so try not to avoid it too much.
Seek professional support if needed. It's okay to ask for help when working through a collective traumatic event. A therapist can provide guidance on healing and rebuilding relationships, and may suggest exercises or strategies to help improve communication and connection between partners. They can also offer advice on healthy ways to express emotions without becoming overwhelmed or angry.
Remember that recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself and your partner, and accept that it won't happen overnight. Don't push too hard or put pressure on them to recover quickly, instead focus on small steps forward. Take care of yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually by eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and finding meaningful hobbies outside of your relationship. This will help you both feel better overall, which will naturally lead to more intimate moments.
Couples who have experienced a collective trauma together must work to maintain intimacy while processing what happened. Being open and honest about feelings, making time for each other regularly, seeking professional help when necessary, and taking care of oneself are all important strategies for rebuilding intimacy after trauma.
How do couples maintain intimacy after collective trauma such as natural disasters or war?
Couples who have experienced shared traumatic events can work on their intimacy by emphasizing positive communication and developing strong coping strategies. In the aftermath of a natural disaster or war, it is important for both partners to focus on rebuilding trust and finding ways to support each other emotionally and practically. Couples should also prioritize time together to engage in activities that bring them joy and promote closeness.