The experience of separation due to deployment can have a significant impact on the couple's sexual relationship. During deployment, both partners may experience different emotions and levels of stress, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts when they reunite.
One partner may feel more distant or less interested in sex while the other feels frustrated or pressured. In addition, the traumatic experiences that soldiers face during deployment can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can also affect their sexual desire and performance.
To negotiate these differences, military couples need to communicate openly about their needs and desires, be patient and understanding with each other, and establish mutually agreed-upon boundaries. This means being willing to talk about sexual issues without judgment or criticism, and setting clear expectations for what is acceptable behavior within the relationship. They should also explore new ways of expressing intimacy and affection beyond just physical touch, such as verbal affirmation, shared activities, and quality time together.
One way to approach this challenge is through therapy or counseling. Military couples who attend marriage or relationship counseling sessions after deployment often report feeling closer and more emotionally connected than before. These sessions can help them identify and address underlying emotional issues related to PTSD or past trauma, and provide practical strategies for managing stress and improving communication.
Another option is to seek out professional support from mental health professionals trained in working with military families. These experts can offer individual or couples therapy to address specific concerns related to sexuality and intimacy, including PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, anger management, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
Reestablishing a fulfilling and satisfying sexual life after deployment requires effort, patience, and commitment from both partners. By working together to understand and support each other's unique experiences and needs, military couples can build stronger bonds and create deeper levels of trust and connection.
How do military couples negotiate differences in sexual desire following deployment-related stress?
There are many factors that can impact military couples' sexual desire after a deployment, including changes in intimacy patterns during separation, physical and mental health issues, and post-deployment readjustment. For some couples, deployment may lead to increased levels of stress and tension, which can affect their sex life as well.