How do communication gaps rooted in avoidance influence relational tension after deployment?
Avoidance
When deployed, military personnel often face physical separation from their loved ones, leaving behind romantic partners and families who worry about their safety and wellbeing. This separation can lead to fear, anxiety, and stress for both parties, which may manifest in different ways depending on individual personality and coping strategies. Some individuals may withdraw from communicating with their partner or family members, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and ultimately relational tension upon reunion. The avoidance of difficult topics or emotions is one such strategy that can be problematic during deployment and beyond.
Communication Gaps
Communication gaps are created when there is an imbalance between what one party says and what another hears or understands. In this case, communication breakdowns are often caused by unspoken expectations, unrealistic assumptions, and differing perspectives.
A service member may believe their partner understands their experience but fail to communicate effectively, resulting in a disconnect. This lack of openness creates a breach in trust and understanding that can be challenging to bridge even once reunited.
Relational Tension
Without proper communication, couples can develop feelings of resentment, frustration, and anger towards each other. This negative emotion leads to a loss of intimacy, trust, and respect, as the couple feels they cannot rely on one another.
This erodes their relationship, making it harder to overcome the underlying issues. They may also feel isolated, as their friends and families do not fully grasp the unique struggles faced during deployment.
Military deployments present significant challenges to romantic relationships, particularly those rooted in avoidance and a lack of effective communication. Avoidance-based communication gaps can lead to increased tension, distrust, and isolation, impacting the couple's ability to connect and recover from deployment. It is essential for deployed individuals to prioritize open and honest communication with their loved ones and seek support when necessary.
How do communication gaps rooted in avoidance influence relational tension after deployment?
Communication gaps rooted in avoidance can have several negative effects on relationships after deployment. Relationship tension is one of the most common outcomes of these communication gaps. Avoidance can manifest as a lack of willingness to discuss difficult topics, such as personal struggles, unmet expectations, and differences in perspective. This can create misunderstandings and resentment between partners who feel unheard or unsupported.