During war, many soldiers are forced to leave their loved ones behind for months or even years. They may have to face dangerous situations that put them in mortal danger while being far away from home. This can be hard for both the soldier and their family members.
Soldiers must remain emotionally independent while they are deployed because it is essential to stay focused on the mission. At the same time, they cannot completely isolate themselves from their loved ones since they need support and encouragement from home. This paradox of emotional independence and relational interdependence can be challenging to reconcile during deployment.
One way soldiers try to maintain emotional independence is by keeping their emotions in check. They try to avoid feeling too much pain and sadness about missing their families, but this can make it harder to reconnect with them when they return. Some soldiers may feel guilty for not showing enough emotion when they reunite with their families after a long absence. Another approach is to keep busy during deployment so they don't think too much about what is happening back home. Soldiers may work long hours, train intensely, or participate in physical activities to distract themselves from their feelings.
Soldiers also try to build relationships with other soldiers who understand what they are going through. These friendships help them feel connected and supported without relying solely on their family at home.
These friendships can also cause tension if they become more intimate than just platonic relationships.
Relationships between soldiers and their families require effort from both sides. Families should communicate regularly and send letters, emails, and care packages to show their love and support. Soldiers should respond promptly to messages from home and find ways to connect even when apart.
Some soldiers record video messages for their families or use social media to share updates and photos.
Balancing emotional independence and relational interdependence requires compromise from all parties involved. While soldiers must remain focused on the mission, they cannot completely isolate themselves from their loved ones. By understanding each other's needs and working together, soldiers and families can overcome the challenges of separation and build stronger bonds than ever before.
How do soldiers reconcile the need for emotional independence with relational interdependence?
There is a complex relationship between emotionally independent and relational interdependent behaviors within military organizations. On one hand, soldiers must be able to maintain their own personal boundaries and feelings, as well as be self-reliant when facing difficult situations on the battlefield. This allows them to remain resilient under pressure, which can lead to better decision-making abilities during combat operations.