Maintaining Relationship Continuity and Intimacy in Military Couples
When military personnel are deployed for long periods away from their partners, it can have a significant impact on their relationships. This is because they often need to adjust to new living arrangements, work schedules, and social circles while being away. As a result, military spouses must find ways to cope with these changes without feeling alone or abandoned. Here are some strategies that military couples can use to maintain relationship continuity and intimacy when operational demands disrupt routines, rituals, or communication:
1. Create a routine: It's essential to create a routine that both partners can stick to even when one partner is away.
You could set a specific time every day to call each other or send texts messages. These daily check-ins will help keep your partner close and provide them with something to look forward to during their deployment.
2. Share photos and videos: Another way to stay connected is by sharing pictures and videos with each other. Take photos of yourself doing fun activities or hobbies that your partner would enjoy seeing. If possible, take videos too! You can also share images of your surroundings so your partner feels like they're there with you.
3. Keep up with shared interests: Whenever possible, try to continue pursuing common interests together as if your partner was still home. Watch TV shows or movies together, read books, or play games online. By doing this, you'll feel more connected even though you're apart physically.
4. Stay in touch through email or chat apps: One way to stay connected is by sending emails or using video chats via Skype or Facebook Messenger. This will allow you to see each other face-to-face, which can be helpful in keeping the relationship going.
5. Send care packages: Care packages filled with items that remind your partner of you are a great way to show love and support from afar. Include things like candles, lotions, or books that they love reading.
6. Communicate openly about feelings: Be honest about how you're feeling during deployment so that both partners understand what's happening between them emotionally. Don't hold back when discussing fears or concerns because it could lead to resentment later on.
7. Make time for date nights: Set aside specific times for date nights at least once a week, whether virtually or in person. Do something fun that gets your mind off work stressors, such as taking a long walk or cooking dinner together over Zoom calls.
8. Keep track of anniversaries and special events: Remember important dates throughout deployment so you can celebrate them appropriately.
Send flowers on Valentine's Day or make plans for an anniversary trip after deployment ends.
How do military couples maintain relational continuity and intimacy when operational demands disrupt routines, rituals, or communication?
In the context of military couples, relational continuity refers to the ongoing connection between partners that provides them with a sense of security and comfort. This continuity is often threatened by the challenges that come with being apart due to operational demands such as deployments, training exercises, and other assignments. In order for military couples to maintain their intimate relationship despite these disruptions, they must engage in various strategies.