Service members' relational loyalty and physical/emotional absence due to duty
Service members face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their romantic relationships while serving abroad. Relationships can be difficult to maintain during times of separation due to military service. This is because military members must often leave their loved ones behind to serve their country. Military members may have to travel long distances from home or spend extended periods away from their significant others, which can put strain on even the strongest relationships.
Despite these challenges, many military members are able to successfully navigate the challenges of maintaining their relationships while also fulfilling their duties.
One way that military members can do this is by prioritizing communication with their partners. Regular communication helps keep the relationship alive and allows both parties to stay connected emotionally. It also provides an opportunity for each person to express their feelings and concerns about the situation.
Another important factor is trust. Trust is essential in any relationship, but it is particularly crucial for those who are physically separated. Both partners need to trust that they will remain faithful to one another during times of separation.
Trust needs to extend to the military itself - both parties need to trust that the other will follow through on promises made and take care of themselves.
Service members need to make time for quality time when possible. Even if this means spending less time together overall, making sure that you spend quality time with your partner when you are able to be together can help strengthen the bond between you. This might include going out on dates, taking vacations, or simply having a relaxing night at home together.
While service members face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their relationships, it is still possible to do so successfully. With patience, communication, trust, and quality time, many couples are able to overcome the obstacles posed by long-distance relationships and build stronger bonds as a result.
How do service members reconcile relational loyalty with the necessity for physical and emotional absence due to duty?
According to research by O'Brien et al. (2017), reconciling relational loyalty with the need for physical and emotional absences is an ongoing challenge that many military families face. Military service requires significant time away from home and family, which can strain relationships and lead to feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and stress.