Soldiers who serve abroad may be subject to prolonged separations from their partners due to military operations. This can have negative effects on both their personal lives and their ability to perform well while deployed. Relational trust is crucial for maintaining strong relationships, but it takes work to keep it alive even when living apart. Sexual fulfillment is another important aspect of romantic relationships that can become difficult to sustain under these conditions.
There are some strategies that soldiers can employ to help them stay connected emotionally and physically during separation periods.
Strategies for Sustaining Relational Trust
To sustain relational trust while away, soldiers can prioritize open communication and active listening. They should make time to regularly check in with their partner about how they're feeling and what's happening in their life. It's also helpful to express gratitude and affection through phone calls, emails, or texts. When possible, they should plan visits or vacations together to reconnect and strengthen the bond.
Couples can set aside specific times to discuss issues and resolve conflicts before deployments begin.
Keeping the Spark Alive During Separation
When soldiers are away, they may need to find other ways to satisfy sexual desires besides physical intimacy. Some couples choose to engage in sexting or erotic storytelling to stay connected. Others opt for masturbation or pornography as a substitute for physical contact.
Some partners choose to enter into an open relationship or explore polyamory while one is deployed. These arrangements require clear boundaries, honesty, and consent from all parties involved.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Soldiers who face deployment-related stressors like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) may struggle with relational trust and sexual fulfillment even more than others.
These issues can be addressed by seeking professional support such as counseling or therapy. Partners should avoid blaming each other and instead focus on finding solutions together. With effort and understanding, it's possible to build resilience in relationships that endure even under difficult circumstances.
Sustaining relational trust and sexual fulfillment during periods of separation requires intentionality and communication from both partners. By prioritizing connection, expressing gratitude, planning visits, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, soldiers can maintain strong bonds even in challenging situations.
How do soldiers sustain relational trust and sexual fulfillment during repeated periods of separation and operational unpredictability?
The United States Army has conducted research on how military couples can maintain their relationships despite frequent separations and prolonged deployments. The study found that communication, compromise, and commitment are essential for soldiers to sustain relational trust and sexual satisfaction during extended absences. During deployment, regular communication with one's partner helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to relationship breakdowns.