One of the most difficult challenges faced by military couples is maintaining an emotional connection when one partner is deployed for an extended period of time. Deployment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, and during this time, couples must find ways to stay connected despite being physically apart. Here are some strategies that can help military couples sustain emotional closeness during deployment.
1. Stay Connected Through Technology: One way to keep the emotional bond strong while apart is to use technology to stay in touch. Couples can use video chat services such as Skype or FaceTime to see each other's faces and have real-time conversations. They can also send messages through email, text, or social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. This helps create a sense of continuity and allows them to share their daily lives and experiences.
2. Plan Special Dates and Activities: Planning regular dates and activities together, even if they are virtual, can help couples feel closer despite the distance.
Couples could play online games together or watch movies simultaneously over Zoom. They could also plan special occasions, such as anniversaries or holidays, and celebrate them with gifts or surprises sent via mail.
3. Keep Communication Open: Military couples should communicate openly about their feelings and needs during deployment. It's important to express fears, doubts, and concerns without hesitation. If something is bothering one partner, they should talk about it immediately rather than bottling it up. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations that can damage the relationship.
4. Write Letters: Writing letters is a classic way to stay emotionally connected during deployment. Military partners can write letters expressing their thoughts, emotions, and desires, which creates a tangible connection that feels more personal than electronic communication. Writing letters can also be therapeutic for both parties and provides a physical reminder of their love and commitment.
5. Share Memories: Sharing memories and stories from past experiences can help military couples feel close despite being apart. Couples can tell each other about their favorite moments together or share photos or videos from previous deployments. This can provide comfort and nostalgia, and make them feel like they are still connected to their loved ones.
6. Stay Physically Active: Maintaining physical health can improve mental well-being, and couples can do this by exercising regularly and eating healthily. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress. Healthy eating habits promote better sleep, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels during long periods of separation.
7. Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries is essential in any relationship, but especially during deployment. Each partner should have time alone to process their feelings and decompress. It's important not to intrude on the other person's space, even if they live under the same roof. Respecting boundaries helps maintain individuality and prevents resentment from building up.
Maintaining an emotional connection during deployment requires effort, creativity, and open communication. By staying connected through technology, planning special activities, keeping communication open, writing letters, sharing memories, staying physically active, and setting boundaries, military couples can sustain closeness and strengthen their bond. With patience and persistence, these strategies can help military partners grow closer despite distance and build a stronger foundation for their future together.
What strategies allow military couples to sustain emotional closeness during extended deployments?
Military couples are expected to maintain strong relationships despite significant separation periods. To accomplish this objective, they can employ several strategies that will help them keep their bond alive despite the physical distance between them. One of these tactics is regular communication through phone calls, video chats, emails, letters, and texts. This allows them to share their experiences, thoughts, concerns, hopes, fears, and dreams and stay updated on each other's lives.