The ability to maintain intimacy and trust is essential for soldiers to perform their duties effectively. While many people may assume that soldiers must be completely stoic and unemotional in order to carry out their work, this is not always the case. Soldiers often have strong emotional bonds with one another, and they need to find ways to express those feelings while also remaining focused on their mission. This requires a delicate balance between stoicism and emotional expression, which can be difficult to achieve.
One way that soldiers balance these two aspects is through the use of code words or phrases. These are specific words or terms that can be used to communicate certain thoughts or emotions without explicitly stating them.
A soldier might say "I'm good" when they are actually feeling very anxious or scared. By using code words like this, soldiers can still express their feelings without revealing too much about themselves.
Another way that soldiers balance stoicism and emotional expression is by creating rituals or routines. These can help to create a sense of normalcy and stability even in challenging situations.
Soldiers might have a routine where they share jokes or stories before going into battle. This helps to lighten the mood and build camaraderie among team members.
Soldiers often rely on nonverbal cues to communicate with one another. Body language, eye contact, and other physical gestures can convey a lot of information without words. A soldier who is visibly nervous or upset might signal to their comrades that something is wrong without saying anything directly. Similarly, a soldier who wants to offer encouragement might give a thumbs up or nod of approval.
Maintaining intimacy and trust is an important part of being a successful soldier. While it may seem counterintuitive at first glance, balancing stoicism and emotional expression is crucial for success on the battlefield. Through the use of code words, rituals, and nonverbal communication, soldiers are able to stay connected while also remaining focused on their mission.
In what ways do soldiers balance stoicism and emotional expression to preserve intimacy and trust?
The military is an institution that emphasizes discipline and order. In this environment, individuals are expected to adhere to strict codes of conduct, including in their interpersonal relationships. The need for maintaining emotional distance between individuals is often perceived as necessary to uphold professional boundaries, particularly within hierarchical structures. This can make it challenging for soldiers to express emotions openly, especially when those emotions involve vulnerability or intimacy.