Relational Gestures and Expressions
Relationships play an important role in human lives, particularly for individuals who work in environments that can be physically and psychologically demanding. In military settings, where physical distance is often kept between members of different ranks, it can be difficult to express support through traditional means such as hugs, kisses, or even handshakes. Soldiers must learn how to interpret relational gestures and expressions of support without relying solely on verbal communication. This article will explore how soldiers habituate themselves to suppressing vulnerability when interpreting these nonverbal cues in order to maintain emotional balance and keep themselves safe while serving their country.
Habitual Suppression
The habit of suppression refers to the process by which individuals develop strategies for managing their emotions in response to stressful situations. For soldiers, this can include learning to ignore pain, numb feelings, or push them down. When interacting with others in a military setting, they may also develop habits of ignoring certain forms of relational expression that are typically considered intimate or vulnerable.
Soldiers become accustomed to communicating primarily through action rather than emotion, leading them to rely on nonverbal cues like eye contact, posture, and body language to communicate support.
Nonverbal Cues
While these nonverbal cues can be helpful in conveying support and solidarity, they can also be easily misinterpreted if not understood properly. Soldiers may mistake a casual glance from a superior officer for hostility, or an enthusiastic high-five from a colleague for condescension. As a result, they may begin to question the genuineness of any form of relational expression, leading them to become less willing to open up to others. This can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, making it difficult to form meaningful relationships within the military community.
Emotional Balance
To counteract the effects of habitual suppression, soldiers must learn how to interpret relational gestures and expressions accurately. This requires paying attention to both the context and the intent behind the gesture or expression.
A nod of approval from a commander during a mission briefing may indicate confidence in the plan being presented, while a similar gesture at a barracks party might simply mean acknowledgement without implying endorsement. By learning to read these nuances, soldiers can gain a better understanding of the emotions underlying relational expressions and develop more trust in their peers.
Interpreting relational gestures and expressions when habituated to suppressing vulnerability is a skill that takes time and practice to master.
With patience and effort, soldiers can learn to recognize and respond appropriately to these forms of communication, allowing them to maintain healthy relationships despite the challenges of serving in a high-stress environment. By doing so, they will be better equipped to serve their country while also ensuring their own emotional wellbeing.
How do soldiers interpret relational gestures and expressions of support when habituated to suppressing vulnerability?
Soldiers who are habituated to suppressing their vulnerabilities may not be able to fully understand and interpret relational gestures and expressions of support that they receive from their loved ones or other individuals around them. This is because they have been trained to repress their emotions and feelings for a long time, which can make it difficult for them to recognize and respond appropriately to displays of love and affection.