Soldiers are trained to depend on their colleagues in times of danger. They rely on each other's strengths, skills, and support for survival, especially during combat situations.
This type of healthy relational reliance can become unhealthy if it becomes an emotional dependence that affects one's personal life outside of work. Soldiers must learn how to maintain boundaries and prioritize their own needs while being able to count on others in extreme circumstances. Otherwise, they risk becoming codependent, which is damaging to both themselves and their relationships. This essay will delve into the difference between these two types of dependencies to help soldiers better understand what makes them healthy or unhealthy.
Healthy relational reliance is characterized by mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity between two individuals who share similar goals or interests. It involves sharing responsibilities and working together towards common objectives. The relationship provides comfort, security, and stability without interfering with individual growth and development. Healthy relational reliance allows for open communication, honest feedback, and constructive criticism. Emotional dependence, on the other hand, is an unbalanced relationship where one person depends too much on another emotionally or financially. It often stems from low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Emotionally dependent people may feel anxious when not around the other person, need constant validation or reassurance, and struggle to make decisions independently. They may also experience feelings of guilt, shame, and jealousy when the other person does not meet their needs.
To avoid unhealthy emotional dependency, soldiers should set clear boundaries and expectations before entering any relationship. They should communicate their desires and limits upfront, and be prepared to walk away if those are violated. This means setting aside time for personal hobbies and activities outside of work, prioritizing their own well-being over others', and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family. Soldiers must also be aware of signs of codependency, such as controlling behavior, manipulation, and giving up personal agency in favor of the other person's wishes.
Soldiers can differentiate between healthy relational reliance and emotional dependence by recognizing that they have a choice in whom they spend time with and how they interact with them. They should focus on building mutually beneficial relationships based on respect and trust rather than relying solely on each other's emotions or finances. By doing so, they can maintain healthy relationships both at home and on the battlefield.
How do soldiers differentiate between healthy relational reliance and emotional dependence?
Healthy relational reliance is the mutual support system that people need for survival and well-being. It involves trust, reciprocity, and communication of needs, wants, expectations, and boundaries. Dependence, on the other hand, can be described as an excessive level of dependency or neediness in interpersonal relationships that often leads to controlling behaviors and abuse.