How do veterans adapt to relational expectations that prioritize empathy, negotiation, and mutual vulnerability over hierarchy and control? This is an important question for those who have served their country in uniform, especially when it comes to transitioning back into civilian life. Veterans may find themselves struggling to navigate new interpersonal dynamics in their personal lives after years of operating under strict military protocols and hierarchies. To better understand this issue, it's important to explore how these expectations differ from traditional power structures.
Empathy, negotiation, and vulnerability are all key components of healthy relationships. In contrast, hierarchies and control tend to focus more on authority and obedience. While these qualities can be beneficial in certain contexts, they don't necessarily translate well into everyday interactions between individuals. In fact, research shows that people who prioritize empathy and open communication tend to have stronger relationships overall.
Let's say you have a friend who always wants to be right or get their way in arguments. If you try to negotiate or show empathy, they might become defensive or even aggressive. This can lead to conflict and hurt feelings on both sides.
If you use negotiation skills and take turns expressing your needs and listening to theirs, you might be able to come up with a solution that works for everyone involved. The same goes for sharing vulnerable emotions like fear or sadness - while it can be difficult to do at first, being honest about what you're feeling can help build trust and intimacy in the long run.
As veterans adjust to civilian life, they may need to learn how to navigate these types of scenarios without relying solely on hierarchy and control. They must also learn to communicate effectively with loved ones, which can be challenging after years of suppressing their emotions and following strict protocols.
With time and practice, many veterans find that they can successfully adapt to relational expectations based on empathy, negotiation, and mutual vulnerability.
One approach is to seek out support groups or therapy focused on relationship building. These resources can provide valuable tools and strategies for communicating more effectively and resolving conflicts constructively. Another option is to practice self-reflection and mindfulness exercises that help them recognize and manage their own emotions better. With patience and persistence, veterans can learn to prioritize connection over power dynamics and develop healthier relationships as a result.
Understanding and embracing relational expectations that prioritize empathy, negotiation, and vulnerability is an important part of transitioning back into civilian life after serving in the military. While this can be a challenging shift, it's possible for veterans to adapt with time and effort. By seeking support and practicing new communication skills, they can build stronger, more fulfilling relationships that prioritize openness and collaboration instead of authority and obedience.
How do veterans adapt to relational expectations that prioritize empathy, negotiation, and mutual vulnerability over hierarchy and control?
Veterans may struggle with adjusting their approach to interpersonal relationships after returning from military service due to challenges related to trauma exposure, including an increased sense of hypervigilance, arousal, and reactivity, as well as difficulty regulating emotions (Sivaraman & Schnurr, 2016; Zerach et al. , 2015).