Coping Strategies for Military Couples During Long Distance Deployments
During long-term military deployments, couples often struggle to keep their relationships strong and healthy. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, and even resentment.
There are several coping strategies that can help military couples maintain relational cohesion and emotional intimacy despite being apart. These include communication, self-care, and shared interests. By implementing these strategies, couples can stay connected and support each other during difficult times.
Communication
Communication is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship, especially during a deployment. Couples should make an effort to talk regularly via phone calls, video chats, or email. They should discuss their day-to-day activities, share news and updates, and express their thoughts and feelings. This will help them feel more connected and less alone. It's also important to be honest and open about any challenges or struggles they may be facing. This will create a sense of trust and understanding between partners.
Self-Care
Self-care is another important strategy for maintaining relational cohesion and emotional intimacy during deployments. Each partner should take time to care for themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. This could involve exercising, meditating, reading, or pursuing hobbies. Taking breaks from work or stressful situations can also help reduce tension and improve mood.
Couples can participate in virtual activities together, such as online exercise classes or book clubs.
Shared Interests
Sharing common interests can also strengthen relationships during deployments. Whether it's watching movies together, cooking meals, or exploring new places, having something to look forward to can create a sense of connection and anticipation. Partners can plan trips or outings together that they can enjoy after the deployment ends. By keeping things exciting and interesting, couples can stay engaged and committed to each other even when apart.
Coping strategies like communication, self-care, and shared interests can help military couples maintain relational cohesion and emotional intimacy across long-distance deployments. By making an effort to connect with their partner, support one another, and find joy in life, couples can navigate this difficult time with grace and resilience.
Which coping strategies allow military couples to maintain relational cohesion and emotional intimacy across long-distance deployments?
Due to the stress of deployment, many military spouses feel disconnected from their partners who are deployed abroad for months at a time. To maintain relational cohesion during this difficult period, it is important for both members of the couple to stay connected through regular communication via phone calls, video chats, and email messages.