Many couples face challenges when it comes to maintaining emotional and sexual intimacy while one partner is deployed for an extended period of time. This can be especially difficult if both partners are new to deployments, have children, or have different personality types.
There are several psychological strategies that can help couples stay connected and build stronger bonds despite the physical separation. These strategies include communicating openly and honestly about needs and desires, setting boundaries around communication, using technology to stay connected, engaging in virtual dates, and practicing self-care. By following these tips, couples can strengthen their relationship and maintain a sense of closeness even during periods of prolonged deployment.
Communication is key when it comes to maintaining emotional and sexual intimacy during a long deployment. Couples should set aside regular times to communicate with each other and express their thoughts and feelings. It's important to be honest and vulnerable, sharing everything from fears and worries to hopes and dreams. If a couple has issues that need to be addressed, they should do so in a respectful way that allows them to work through problems together. The more comfortable a couple becomes with talking about sensitive topics, the easier it will be to stay emotionally connected.
Setting boundaries around communication is also crucial. Couples should agree on how often they'll check in with each other, what kind of updates they'll give, and what kinds of questions they'll ask. They may decide to limit phone calls to once a week or less frequently, but still send daily emails or texts to keep in touch. They may want to avoid discussing certain topics altogether (like finances) unless absolutely necessary. Whatever the boundaries are, both partners should honor them and not try to push beyond them.
Technology can be a powerful tool for couples who find themselves separated by distance. Video chats, email, text messages, and social media can all help bridge the physical gap between partners. Couples should use these tools to connect as much as possible, whether it's watching movies together online or sending each other care packages. Technology can also be used to share photos, videos, and other mementos that remind each partner of the other person.
Virtual dates can also help maintain emotional and sexual intimacy during periods of prolonged deployment. A virtual date might involve cooking dinner together over video chat or taking a virtual tour of a museum. It could also include playing games or watching sports together online. Whatever the activity, the goal is to create an experience that feels like being together without actually being together.
Self-care is important for both partners during deployments. This includes practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and exercising regularly. Taking care of one's mental and physical wellbeing helps improve overall resilience and make it easier to cope with stressors like long separations from loved ones.
There are several psychological strategies that can help couples stay connected emotionally and sexually even when one partner is deployed for an extended period of time. Communication, setting boundaries around communication, using technology to stay in touch, engaging in virtual dates, and practicing self-care are just a few of these strategies. By following them, couples can build stronger bonds and maintain a sense of closeness despite the challenges of distance.
What psychological strategies help maintain emotional and sexual intimacy during periods of prolonged deployment?
Firstly, it is important for both partners to be honest about their feelings and communicate openly with each other to maintain emotional intimacy. This includes expressing gratitude for each other's sacrifices and discussing any concerns they may have. Additionally, spending time together virtually through video calls, letters, or phone calls can help foster closeness even if physically apart.