Strategies for LGBT Couples to Maintain Intimacy during Deployments
Living together is an integral part of building trust, love, and intimacy between partners.
When one partner is deployed frequently for military operations, these aspects can be threatened due to limited communication and physical closeness. Fortunately, there are several strategies that LGBT couples can implement to maintain relational intimacy despite frequent deployments and operational separations.
Establishing clear expectations regarding communication frequency and method before deployment is crucial.
It may involve deciding whether text messages, phone calls, video chats, emails, letters, or other forms of communication will work best.
The couple should decide how often they plan to connect throughout the day and what topics they want to discuss to ensure that their time together is meaningful and fulfilling.
Setting up rituals and routines for connection is another strategy that helps LGBT couples maintain intimacy during deployments. It involves creating activities that bring them closer even when physically apart. These include writing love notes, exchanging pictures and videos, sending care packages, sharing food and drinks virtually through recipes or delivery apps, and practicing shared hobbies like gaming, reading, or exercise sessions via Zoom or other platforms.
Finding support systems outside the relationship is necessary for LGBT couples managing long-distance relationships. Friends, family members, coworkers, fellow service personnel, or online communities provide social interaction and emotional support. This could entail joining groups or clubs with similar interests or scheduling regular meetups with friends who understand the situation.
Planning reunions after deployments is critical to reconnecting emotionally and physically. The couple should consider activities such as traveling to new places together, trying out different restaurants or activities, or simply spending quality time at home without distractions.
These strategies require effort from both partners to remain committed and patient while building a strong foundation for healthy relationships despite frequent separations.
What strategies allow LGBT couples to maintain relational intimacy while managing frequent deployments and operational separation?
There are several strategies that help lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) couples maintain relational intimacy during frequent deployments and operational separations. One strategy is setting realistic expectations for communication frequency and types of contact. It may be necessary to establish protocols around how often partners should communicate via phone calls, emails, text messages, video chats, or social media posts.