Strategies for Maintaining Intimacy During Repeated Operational Separations
Maintaining intimacy can be challenging when couples are frequently separated due to work or military deployment. This article will provide four strategies that couples can implement to keep their relationship strong despite being apart for extended periods.
1. Keep in Touch Regularly
One way to stay connected is to communicate regularly through phone calls, text messages, video chats, emails, or letters. This helps couples feel closer even when they're physically far away. It also allows them to share updates about their lives and maintain emotional closeness. To make communication more meaningful, couples should set aside time to talk without distractions, avoid small talk, and focus on their partner's needs. They should express gratitude, appreciation, and affection, share positive thoughts and feelings, and ask each other questions.
2. Practice Nonsexual Intimacy
Couples who cannot engage in physical intimacy can still show affection by sending thoughtful gifts, writing love notes, sharing photos and videos, or doing activities together remotely. They can also try new things like cooking meals together, reading books, watching movies, playing games, or learning a new language. These non-physical acts of intimacy help couples feel connected and supportive.
3. Plan for Future Together Time
Couples should make plans for future reunions so they have something to look forward to. This could include vacations, weekend getaways, or special events like anniversaries or birthdays. When the separation ends, they can start planning their next adventure together. Planning ahead can give couples hope and motivation during difficult times.
4. Maintain Self-care Routines
Taking care of oneself is essential for mental and emotional wellbeing, especially during stressful situations. Couples should prioritize sleep, exercise, healthy eating, relaxation techniques, and personal hobbies. They should also seek social support from friends, family, therapy, or support groups. This helps prevent burnout and depression, which can damage relationships.
What strategies help maintain intimacy during repeated operational separations?
One strategy that helps maintain intimacy during repeated operational separations is to set clear expectations for communication frequency, mode, and topic. This can include agreeing on specific times when both partners are available to talk, such as before going to sleep or after work. Additionally, couples may benefit from exploring new forms of communication like video chats or sharing pictures and stories throughout the day.