Military spouses play a critical role in supporting their partners who are deployed to serve their country. These spouses often experience emotional challenges due to the separation from their partner during deployment. One of the key factors that can help them cope is integrating identity affirmation, relational needs, and personal growth for themselves while still maintaining intimacy and resilience in their relationship. This article will provide insights into how military couples can achieve this goal.
Identity affirmation refers to acknowledging one's own identity, values, beliefs, and desires as an individual outside of the relationship. It involves recognizing oneself as a separate person from one's partner and embracing one's unique characteristics without relying on the other person for validation or approval. Military spouses need to have a strong sense of self-identity to handle the pressures of living alone during deployment. They must understand who they are, what makes them happy, and what makes them feel fulfilled outside of the relationship. They should embrace hobbies, interests, friendships, family, work, and spirituality that bring them joy and meaning. This helps them stay grounded and confident when life gets difficult.
Relational needs refer to the emotional connection between two people within a relationship. Military couples should communicate openly about their needs and expectations to maintain healthy relationships. They should spend quality time together, express affection, resolve conflicts constructively, listen actively, offer support and encouragement, and show appreciation for each other. Regular communication can also help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen bonds.
If one spouse feels lonely or stressed, they can talk to the other about it instead of bottling up their feelings.
Personal growth involves developing oneself intellectually, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Spouses can pursue personal goals and interests while their partners are deployed to enhance their wellbeing. It can include taking courses, exercising regularly, exploring new things, meditating, volunteering, joining clubs, traveling, or participating in sports. Personal growth can increase self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, which is essential for coping with stressful situations like deployment.
Intimacy refers to deep emotional closeness between partners. Couples should prioritize intimacy by having meaningful conversations, sharing thoughts and feelings, engaging in physical touch, and creating special moments together. Even though being apart makes it challenging, regular video calls and letters can keep the spark alive. It's crucial to express love and care even during long periods apart because that builds trust and reassures the partner that they matter.
Maintaining intimacy and resilience requires constant effort from both partners. Military couples need to recognize that deployment will not last forever and plan activities for when they reunite again. They should set aside time for themselves and work towards shared goals to feel more connected. Support groups, therapy, books, podcasts, and online resources can also help them cope with separation anxiety and maintain a healthy relationship. By integrating identity affirmation, relational needs, and personal growth, military spouses can remain strong individually and as a couple.
How do military couples integrate identity affirmation, relational needs, and personal growth to maintain intimacy and resilience?
Military couples can ensure that they have time for themselves as individuals while also staying connected as a couple through the process of integrating identity affirmation, relational needs, and personal growth. This can be achieved by ensuring regular check-ins with each other about how they are feeling and what their individual and collective goals are for the relationship.