Intimate relationships are essential for many people's happiness and wellbeing.
Some researchers suggest that they may be more damaging than helpful. In fact, it can even put one's life at risk. This is why, despite the benefits of physical intimacy, military personnel must tread carefully to avoid being exploited or harmed.
The need for intimacy is universal among humans, yet not all people have equal access to it. Those who serve in the armed forces often experience a lack of emotional connection due to their work conditions. They may struggle with isolation, loneliness, fear, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma-related disorders such as hypervigilance and panic attacks. These factors make it harder to find and maintain romantic partnerships. When intimacy becomes available, soldiers may feel unsafe because they cannot predict how others will react if they reveal themselves fully.
Soldiers face unique psychological challenges when pursuing an intimate relationship. On top of the usual concerns about rejection and abandonment, there is the potential threat of betrayal and harm from those outside the unit. Soldiers may worry that their partner could become a spy or saboteur or reveal sensitive information about their mission or colleagues. If this happens, they could suffer severe consequences. Therefore, soldiers strive to create a safe environment where trust and honesty reign supreme.
To ensure safety, soldiers set boundaries regarding what topics are off-limits during conversations and how much personal information should be shared. Some may choose to communicate only through text messages or video calls instead of meeting face-to-face. Others might limit physical contact until they establish trust over time. They also tend to focus on compatibility rather than emotions; after all, feelings can change quickly under pressure or fear, making them unreliable guides for decision-making.
Soldiers must evaluate risks versus rewards before deciding whether to invest in an intimate connection.
How do soldiers evaluate intimacy when emotional closeness is psychologically risky but emotionally necessary?
The soldiers' perception of intimacy may be influenced by various factors such as their individual experiences, cultural background, and military environment. Intimacy can bring about psychological risk because it involves disclosure of personal information that could potentially lead to vulnerability, while at the same time, emotional need for intimacy remains essential for human connection and well-being.