Many couples face difficulties when one partner returns from military service. They may have experienced traumatic events that can affect their relationships with loved ones. It is essential for them to communicate openly about their needs and expectations before they reunite. When a soldier returns home after deployment, their partner may find it difficult to adjust to their changed behavior and routine. They must learn how to negotiate new norms and patterns in order to maintain healthy relationships. In this article, we will explore ways returning veterans can redefine relationship expectations with partners who are accustomed to different emotional rhythms.
Communication
One way that returning service members can renegotiate relationship expectations with their partners is through effective communication. After being away for an extended time, many soldiers struggle to express themselves emotionally and verbally. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration within the couple's dynamic.
By speaking up about what they need and want, they can work towards finding compromises that satisfy both parties.
If a soldier feels uncomfortable with physical touch upon arrival back home, they should let their partner know so they don't make assumptions or become frustrated later on. Open dialogue is key to establishing boundaries early on and avoiding conflict down the line.
Patience and Understanding
Another factor in renegotiating relationship expectations is patience and understanding. The transition back into civilian life can be challenging for many veterans; they may not immediately feel comfortable discussing their experiences or dealing with day-to-day tasks like housework or parenting duties. Their partner should show compassion during this adjustment period, allowing them ample time to readjust without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. It's also important for each individual to understand that there may be underlying issues beyond just the surface level disconnect caused by deployment - trauma from combat experience, for instance, could require professional help before any meaningful progress can be made.
Therapy and Support Groups
A third option for redefining relationships after military service involves seeking therapy or joining support groups specifically designed for veterans and their loved ones. These resources provide a safe space where individuals can process their feelings related to deployment while learning healthy communication strategies tailored towards successful post-deployment partnerships. Through therapy, couples can identify areas of tension between them and develop practical solutions that work for both parties involved. In addition, support group members can share personal stories and learn from others who have gone through similar situations – providing valuable insight into what has worked (or hasn't) within past relationships.
Compromise and Flexibility
Returning soldiers must practice compromise and flexibility when negotiating new expectations with their partners. Neither party will get everything they want all of the time but finding common ground requires giving up some control at times in order to build trust again. Each person needs to consider how much compromising feels manageable on an individual basis; some may find it easier than others depending on personal boundaries established prior to deployment.
Renegotiating relationship expectations after military service can be challenging, but possible if both partners are willing to communicate openly about their wants/needs without judgment or assumptions. By taking advantage of available resources like therapy sessions or support groups, couples can learn healthier ways of addressing these issues head-on so they don't become larger problems down the line. With patience, understanding, and active listening skills, long-term success is attainable even during tumultuous transition periods following deployment!
How do returning service members renegotiate relationship expectations with partners accustomed to different emotional rhythms?
Research on reintegration of military personnel has shown that returning service members face challenges in their romantic relationships after deployment due to differences in emotional rhythms between them and their partners (e. g. , Sutherland & Riggs, 2015). Specifically, returning service members may be more emotionally guarded than before, which can lead to conflicts with partners who are used to a greater degree of emotional openness and vulnerability (Rhoades et al.