How do military couples maintain relational coherence when communication is intermittent, filtered, or emotionally burdened by external stress?
Military couples often face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their relationship while one or both partners are deployed. Communication can be difficult due to frequent relocations and unpredictable schedules, which can make staying connected difficult and strain the emotional bond between them.
Military couples may experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, which can further complicate their ability to communicate effectively.
There are strategies that military couples can use to improve their communication and maintain a strong relationship despite these challenges.
One strategy is to establish clear communication channels. This means setting up regular check-ins, whether through phone calls, video chats, letters, or emails, to ensure that both partners feel heard and understood. It's also important for each partner to express their needs and expectations for communication during deployment so that they don't feel blindsided if those needs aren't met.
One partner might prefer daily updates, while another might want weekly check-ins or less frequent contact.
Another strategy is to practice active listening. This involves really hearing what the other person is saying, without interrupting or jumping to conclusions, and responding with empathy and understanding. Active listening helps build trust and reduces misunderstandings, even when communication is limited. Military couples can practice active listening by focusing on nonverbal cues, such as tone of voice and body language, as well as verbal cues like words and phrases used.
Military couples can try to focus on positive interactions rather than negative ones. This means taking time to celebrate successes, both big and small, and looking for opportunities to show appreciation and support for each other. It's also helpful to make plans for after deployment, such as vacations or activities together, to look forward to reuniting and spending quality time together again.
Maintaining relational coherence in military relationships requires effort and intentionality, but it's possible with the right strategies. By establishing clear communication channels, practicing active listening, and focusing on positivity, military couples can navigate the unique challenges of being apart and keep their relationship strong.
How do military couples maintain relational coherence when communication is intermittent, filtered, or emotionally burdened by external stress?
As stated by Drs. A & B (2015), military couples experience unique challenges in their relationships due to frequent separations and deployments that may require them to communicate via phone calls, letters, or emails instead of face-to-face interactions.