Soldiers' Relationships During Deployment
Soldiers face unique challenges in their relationships due to frequent deployments. While military couples have to adjust to constant separation, they also must manage the changes that occur in each partner while apart. This can be difficult because people change and grow over time, even if they aren't together physically. In this article, we will explore how soldiers can navigate these shifts without compromising their relationship.
Changes in Both Partners
When one partner is deployed for an extended period of time, both parties may experience significant growth and development. The deployed soldier may gain new skills, knowledge, and perspectives through their experiences. Meanwhile, the non-deployed partner may take on more responsibilities at home or pursue personal interests independently. These changes can lead to differences in values, beliefs, priorities, and goals. As a result, the couple may feel less connected when they reunite.
Communication
To maintain their bond during separations, it's essential for soldiers to communicate regularly. Emails, phone calls, video chats, and other forms of communication are vital for keeping up with each other's lives. It's also helpful to set boundaries around these interactions so that neither partner feels smothered or ignored.
They could agree not to talk about work-related topics, but instead focus on catching up on daily life.
Exploring New Interests
During deployment, both partners may develop hobbies, interests, or passions. Soldiers should encourage their partner to pursue these activities as a way to stay engaged and fulfilled. They can also try new things themselves to avoid feeling left out. This can help them reconnect upon reunion by having fresh experiences to share.
Reunification
Reuniting after a long separation is exciting, but it's not always easy. There may be unspoken expectations or assumptions between the two partners that need to be addressed. Couples must discuss what has changed since the last time they saw each other and how those changes will affect their relationship going forward. They should also consider creating shared goals and plans to navigate any challenges together.
Patience and Flexibility
Being patient and flexible is crucial for maintaining relationships during deployments. Both partners may have different needs and perspectives, which requires compromise and understanding. By taking time to understand each other's thoughts and feelings, soldiers can build stronger bonds that will carry through any challenge.
How do soldiers navigate relational patience when both partners evolve independently during extended separations?
Most of the time, it can be challenging for military couples to find balance in their relationships due to prolonged separation brought about by deployment, which is part of being in service. This challenge is often compounded by the fact that each partner tends to grow and change at different rates while separated from one another, especially if they are apart for years at a time.