Sexual difficulties can be difficult for all couples regardless of their circumstances, but military spouses face additional challenges due to the stress of deployment. These issues may cause problems between partners when they reunite after separation and make it harder for them to bond once again as a couple. In this article, I will explore some of the unique obstacles that military couples encounter during deployment and provide helpful tips for overcoming them.
Challenges Faced by Military Couples During Deployment
One of the most significant challenges facing military couples is staying connected while apart. Communication is critical in any relationship, but when one partner is deployed, maintaining a strong connection becomes even more vital. Without regular contact, feelings of loneliness and isolation can arise. To combat this, military couples must find ways to stay connected through technology such as video calls, text messaging, or social media. They may also benefit from engaging in activities like playing games together online or reading each other's favorite books.
Physical intimacy is another major challenge faced by military couples during deployment. Sexuality is an essential part of any relationship, but physical distance makes it challenging for military partners to connect with one another. This can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, which can strain the relationship even further.
There are several strategies that can help military couples overcome these hurdles.
Couples can use sexual toys to simulate physical closeness while apart. They can also create erotic texts or videos to share with each other.
Setting aside time to discuss their sexual desires before and after deployment can help partners feel more connected.
Military couples often struggle with feelings of guilt and shame regarding their sexual lives due to societal expectations about what constitutes "normal" relationships. These emotions can lead to communication issues between partners, making it harder for them to talk openly about their needs and wants. Military spouses may need to work on redefining what is acceptable within their relationship regarding sex.
They may want to explore new forms of intimacy or try out different positions to make up for the lack of physical closeness.
Financial stress is a common obstacle facing many military families. When one partner is deployed, the remaining spouse may take on additional responsibilities such as household chores or caring for children alone. This added pressure can be overwhelming, leading to tension in the relationship. Couples should strive to find ways to alleviate this stress, whether through delegating tasks or seeking outside support like babysitting services or meal deliveries.
Tips for Overcoming Challenges During Deployment
1. Practice Open Communication: Regular communication is essential for any relationship, but it is especially crucial when one partner is away from home. Couples must learn how to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and openly without fear of judgment.
2. Explore New Forms of Intimacy: Physical distance does not have to mean an end to intimacy; military couples can discover new ways to connect emotionally and erotically despite being apart. From long-distance dates to sending each other sexy photos, there are numerous strategies that can help keep the spark alive while separated.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Sometimes, the challenges faced by military couples are too much to handle alone. Seeking assistance from friends, family members, or professionals (e.g., therapists) can provide relief and insight into better coping methods.
4. Reframe Your Thinking: Military couples often face societal expectations about what constitutes a "normal" relationship. They must work together to create their own definition of normalcy that works for them.
5. Find Ways to Relax: Stress is inevitable during deployment, but finding time to relax can reduce tension between partners. Whether through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a break from responsibilities, military spouses need to take care of themselves mentally and physically.
6. Stay Positive:
Staying positive throughout deployment can make all the difference in maintaining a strong connection with your partner. Celebrate small victories, focus on gratitude, and remember that separation is temporary.
Sexual difficulties can be significant obstacles for any couple, but those with deployed partners may face unique challenges due to physical distance, financial stress, and societal pressures.
By practicing open communication, exploring new forms of intimacy, seeking outside support when necessary, reframing their thinking, finding ways to relax, and staying positive, military couples can overcome these hurdles and maintain healthy relationships despite being apart.
What sexual challenges are unique to couples with a deployed partner?
A military deployment is a stressful event for any couple as it often causes significant disruptions to their daily lives, including changes in their sex life. One of the main challenges unique to these couples is maintaining an active and healthy sex life while one of them is away on deployment. This can be difficult due to several factors, such as feelings of loneliness and isolation that may arise from long periods apart, as well as physical distance that makes intimacy more challenging.