Soldiers are trained to be professionals who can fulfil their duties under various situations. This includes managing their relationships with family members, friends, colleagues, and superiors. It is essential for them to develop strong interpersonal skills to build trustworthy relationships that enable them to perform their tasks effectively. On the other hand, they must maintain a healthy balance between their personal lives and professional commitments. Relational dependence means depending on others for emotional support and companionship, which soldiers often find challenging while performing their responsibilities. How do they cope?
One way that soldiers manage relational dependence is through communication. They keep in touch with loved ones regularly through calls, emails, texts, letters, or visits whenever possible. Soldiers share updates about their daily activities and seek advice from family members when needed. They also encourage open communication among themselves, discussing problems and seeking solutions without holding back. Open communication allows soldiers to establish trust and camaraderie with each other, enabling them to work together as a team.
Another method of managing relational dependence is by setting boundaries. Soldiers set clear guidelines about what they expect from others and stick to them, whether it involves their time, space, or physical intimacy. Boundaries help soldiers avoid distractions that could affect their performance and create friction within the unit.
If a soldier has an obligation outside work hours, they will communicate this to everyone else so no one feels neglected.
Soldiers make time for themselves despite busy schedules. Taking breaks from work helps them recharge mentally and physically, allowing them to focus on tasks better. They engage in leisure activities like reading books, watching movies, exercising, or exploring new hobbies during free time. This enables soldiers to unwind and relax, reducing stress levels and improving moods.
Soldiers rely on professional counselors for emotional support. Professional counselling provides a safe environment where soldiers can talk about their struggles without fear of judgment. Counsellors offer objective perspectives and practical solutions, helping soldiers cope with challenges while maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional lives.
Soldiers manage relational dependence through communication, setting boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking professional help when needed. Maintaining these practices enables them to perform effectively professionally while developing meaningful relationships that provide emotional support.
In what ways do soldiers manage relational dependence while fulfilling professional and operational responsibilities?
Research suggests that soldiers may engage in various coping strategies to manage relational dependence while performing their duties. One way is by maintaining regular communication with family members and loved ones through phone calls, video chats, or letters. This helps them feel connected and supported even when they are away from home. Another strategy is by setting boundaries around work hours, ensuring sufficient rest and downtime for themselves. It allows soldiers to prioritize their personal lives and avoid burnout or exhaustion.