Sexual intimacy and communication are essential for healthy relationships, especially when military personnel are deployed for extended periods. Deployment can be stressful, and it is easy to lose touch with one's partner due to distance, lack of communication, and the pressure of deployment itself.
There are several psychological strategies that can help maintain intimacy and relational satisfaction during prolonged deployments.
One strategy is open and honest communication. Couples who communicate effectively and regularly about their needs, feelings, and desires are more likely to feel connected even when apart. This means discussing not just logistical details but also emotional ones like fears, anxieties, and hopes. Couples should also make time to talk about their relationship goals and expectations while they are both available together physically.
Another strategy is to plan regular communication. Couples should establish a routine of contacting each other daily or weekly, whether via phone, email, video chat, or text message. This helps build anticipation and excitement for when they will see each other again. They should also agree on specific times and topics for these communications so that they remain focused and productive.
Couples should also consider virtual dates as an option. Virtual dates allow couples to share activities and experiences, such as watching movies together or going on outings in a shared online space. It may be less exciting than physical dates, but it provides a sense of togetherness and connection that helps build intimacy over long distances.
Couples should explore new sexual interests and practices while apart. This can include trying different positions, playing games, or exploring fantasies. If possible, couples should share photos, videos, or even live feeds with one another, which can add excitement and novelty to the experience.
By following these strategies, military personnel and their partners can maintain intimacy and relational satisfaction despite deployment separations. It takes effort and intention, but the benefits of staying connected and emotionally close are well worth the investment.
What psychological strategies help maintain intimacy and relational satisfaction during prolonged deployments?
Research has found that couples can employ various strategies to maintain intimacy and relational satisfaction during prolonged military deployments, such as sharing stories of their day through texts or phone calls, engaging in daily rituals like reading together, and communicating frequently about their feelings and needs. These actions can provide a sense of closeness and connection even when physically apart, which helps mitigate the negative effects of deployment on relationships.