During military training, soldiers learn how to control their emotions and become desensitized to violence. They are taught to suppress feelings like fear and anxiety in order to stay calm under pressure. This can lead to difficulties reconnecting with loved ones after returning home from war. Here's how soldiers can overcome these challenges and regain emotional intimacy with their partners.
1. Communication is key - Soldiers need to communicate openly and honestly about their experiences during deployment. Share stories, fears, and dreams without judgment or criticism. Be patient with each other and listen actively. Talk about what you miss most about each other while apart and express gratitude for being reunited again.
2. Set boundaries - It's normal for soldiers to feel overwhelmed when they return home from combat situations. Take time alone if needed but set clear boundaries around personal space and privacy so your partner doesn't feel neglected or ignored. Try scheduling regular date nights where you turn off all devices and focus solely on one another.
3. Physical touch is important - Touch is an essential part of human connection that may have been missing during deployment. Hold hands, hug tightly, cuddle up close, kiss passionately - anything that makes you both feel connected physically will help restore a sense of closeness emotionally too.
4. Practice self-care - Exercise regularly, eat well-balanced meals, get enough sleep every night, talk through problems constructively rather than bottling them up inside. Do activities together such as hiking, biking, camping or gardening which promote relaxation and bonding moments between you two as a couple.
5. Seek professional support - If difficulties persist despite efforts at home consider seeking professional counseling together or individually for guidance in dealing with emotional trauma associated with PTSD symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares. A licensed therapist can provide tools for managing anxiety/stress responses effectively along with relationship issues caused by prolonged separations due to military service abroad.
How do soldiers restore emotional closeness with partners after internalizing defensive habits required during conflict?
Prioritize self-care and mental health support: Soldiers may need time and space to process their experiences, reconnect with loved ones, and seek professional help if necessary. Open communication is crucial for restoring emotional closeness and addressing any underlying issues that might be affecting the relationship. Be patient and understanding as they adjust to civilian life and work through any trauma they may have experienced. Encourage them to share their feelings openly and listen actively without judgment.