Mechanisms to preserve emotional closeness during prolonged operational separation
Operational separations are common in various industries such as military service, international diplomatic relations, humanitarian work, mining exploration, scientific research, space missions, etc., but they can be challenging for individuals who have been separated from their loved ones for extended periods. Emotional closeness is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, especially when people are physically apart. Understanding the mechanisms that facilitate emotional closeness during prolonged operational separations can help individuals manage their emotions, feelings, and expectations better.
I will discuss four main mechanisms that facilitate the preservation of emotional closeness during prolonged operational separations: regular communication, planning ahead, virtual intimacy, and mutual support.
Regular communication involves keeping in touch through various means, including phone calls, video chats, emails, letters, social media, instant messaging apps, etc. It helps couples stay connected emotionally, share experiences, and express their feelings and emotions. Regular communication also allows partners to feel closer despite physical distance by reducing uncertainty and anxiety about each other's well-being.
An astronaut couple who communicate daily through audio messages may still experience a sense of closeness even if they are millions of miles away.
Planning ahead involves making plans beforehand regarding how often and what kind of communication should happen. This could include setting up a routine or schedule for communicating with your partner, making time to talk regularly, and planning special occasions together (such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays). Planning ahead also ensures that both parties are prepared for any changes or unexpected events that may arise while one person is away.
A diplomat can plan weekly video calls with his spouse to discuss family matters and keep them updated on his work.
Virtual intimacy refers to maintaining emotional connection through virtual tools such as shared photos, videos, social media updates, etc. Virtual intimacy can help couples stay connected when they cannot be physically present due to long distances or security reasons. It also provides a sense of continuity between the two people and allows them to continue sharing memories and experiences. A military couple separated by thousands of miles can use social media to post pictures of themselves, share stories, and create a virtual relationship that feels real.
Mutual support involves supporting each other during operational separations by providing moral and practical support. This includes offering encouragement, understanding, and empathy. Mutual support can help individuals cope with stress and loneliness caused by prolonged separation and ensure that their loved ones feel supported and valued.
A miner working in a remote area can send care packages, letters, and messages to his spouse and children back home to show support and affection.
Regular communication, planning ahead, virtual intimacy, and mutual support are some mechanisms that facilitate the preservation of emotional closeness during prolonged operational separations. These mechanisms can reduce uncertainty, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, allowing couples to remain emotionally close despite physical distance.
It requires effort, commitment, and patience from both parties involved.
What mechanisms facilitate the preservation of emotional closeness during prolonged operational separation?
Research on military couples suggests that maintaining emotional closeness during prolonged periods apart involves a variety of strategies including regular communication, expressing appreciation for one another, and actively planning for reunion. These strategies can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and fear, which are common among separated individuals and can interfere with emotional intimacy and connection.