When military service members are deployed for extended periods of time, maintaining healthy relationships and sexual satisfaction can be challenging.
Research shows that humor and playfulness can help couples stay connected and enhance their relationship despite distance. This essay will explore how humor and playfulness can promote relational and sexual satisfaction during prolonged deployments.
Humor is an important aspect of human interaction that can bring people closer together. It creates positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and laughter, which can reduce stress and improve mood. In a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, researchers found that couples who engaged in more humor while communicating were more likely to report higher levels of marital satisfaction and less distress.
In addition to promoting relational satisfaction, humor also supports sexual satisfaction. Humor creates a lighthearted atmosphere that reduces tension and increases attraction. A study conducted by Dr. Debby Herbenick et al. demonstrated that women who experienced humor in their sex lives reported greater sexual pleasure and arousal than those who did not.
Playfulness can support both relational and sexual satisfaction. Play involves behaviors such as teasing, flirting, and role-playing, which add novelty and excitement to a relationship. Research shows that couples who engage in playful activities tend to have stronger bonds and more satisfying sex lives.
One study found that soldiers who participated in sexual role-playing games with their partners had increased sexual desire and arousal compared to those who did not.
Implementing humor and playfulness into a military marriage or long-distance relationship requires effort and creativity. Couples must find ways to stay connected despite distance and busy schedules. Technology such as video chats and text messaging can help maintain communication and intimacy.
Setting aside specific times for virtual or phone dates can promote connection and allow for playful behavior.
Humor and playfulness are essential ingredients for successful relationships during deployment. They promote emotional closeness, increase positive emotions, and enhance sexual satisfaction. By actively seeking out opportunities for fun and laughter, couples can maintain healthy connections and support each other's well-being while apart.
In what ways does humor and playfulness support relational and sexual satisfaction during prolonged deployment?
The study of human behavior has shown that humor and playfulness can be powerful tools for strengthening interpersonal relationships and enhancing romantic connections between partners who are separated by distance. During prolonged deployments, which often involve periods of separation and loneliness, maintaining a sense of connection through laughter and fun can help individuals feel more emotionally supported and intimately connected with their partner.