Military service members who experience deployment-induced separation or trauma may face difficulties maintaining their romantic relationships due to changes in their emotional, physical, psychological, and sexual wellbeing. These challenges can lead to mistrust and a lack of intimacy between partners, which can be detrimental to the health of both individuals involved.
Military couples can overcome these obstacles through various techniques that foster trust and intimacy.
To rebuild trust in the relationship, communication is crucial. Military partners should communicate openly about their feelings, fears, expectations, and needs regarding the relationship. This includes expressing gratitude for each other's sacrifices, acknowledging each other's contributions to the relationship, apologizing when necessary, and actively listening to one another's opinions.
Setting boundaries around privacy, respect, and transparency can help build mutual understanding and trust.
Regarding sexual intimacy, it is essential to establish clear expectations and boundaries before resuming sexual activity. Couples can explore different methods of arousal and intimacy, such as touching, kissing, cuddling, and holding hands, without engaging in intercourse immediately. It may take time for military partners to feel comfortable with physical contact again after experiencing traumatic events.
Seeking professional counseling can help address any underlying issues related to sex and intimacy, allowing couples to work together on developing new ways to express themselves physically and emotionally.
Creating regular date nights or quality time for the couple to connect outside of the home can also enhance intimacy. Military spouses who deploy regularly should plan dates in advance to show they still care about their partner even while away from them. Military partners struggling with PTSD or trauma-related symptoms should seek professional treatment and support to manage these challenges effectively. With patience, effort, and support from loved ones, military couples can overcome deployment-induced separation and rebuild a strong foundation for trust and intimacy.
How do military couples rebuild trust and sexual intimacy following deployment-induced separation or traumatic experiences?
Military couples who have experienced deployment-induced separations or traumatic events may find it challenging to rebuild their trust and sexual intimacy upon reunification. The process can be slow, gradual, and require active efforts from both partners. Couples often need time to communicate openly about their fears, anxieties, and concerns regarding the past or current events that affected their relationship.