Trust is one of the most important aspects of any relationship, especially for military couples who must deal with the challenges of being apart due to combat duty.
Maintaining intimacy during such separations can be difficult without proper strategies. Here are some tips that may help:
1. Establish ground rules - It's essential to establish clear guidelines regarding communication, boundaries, and expectations before going into combat. This means agreeing on how often you will check in, what kind of updates you want to receive from your partner, and what topics are off-limits while they are away. Without these rules, misunderstandings and frustration can quickly arise, leading to strained relations.
2. Set realistic goals - Both parties should set realistic goals for their time together when reunited after deployment.
It might not be feasible to resume sexual activity immediately if one person has been wounded or traumatized by war experiences. Instead, focus on reconnecting emotionally through activities like watching movies or taking walks together.
3. Keep up physical contact - Long periods of separation can make couples feel disconnected physically as well as emotionally. To stay connected, send regular letters or care packages filled with photos, personal items, and even undergarments. You could also exchange selfies or record videos of yourself doing things like dancing or exercising to keep each other engaged.
4. Focus on shared interests - Spending quality time together requires focusing on shared interests rather than just talking about work or daily tasks. Try planning trips together, participating in sports or hobbies, or sharing favorite books or music. These activities create new memories and strengthen the bond between partners.
5. Seek professional help - If intimacy issues persist after returning home, seek professional help from a counselor who specializes in military relationships. They can provide additional strategies for overcoming challenges related to trust, communication, and intimacy. In addition, they may offer individual or couple's therapy sessions tailored specifically to your needs.
6. Don't forget romance - Even amidst combat separations, you can still show affection by sending sweet texts or cards and surprising your partner with small gifts during their absence. Take advantage of technology to plan romantic dates such as virtual meals at favorite restaurants or movie nights. With creativity and effort, couples can maintain emotional connection despite being apart.
What strategies help maintain trust and intimacy when couples face prolonged combat separation?
Trust is an essential component of any relationship between two individuals, including a romantic one. It entails confidence that the partner would not betray the other's feelings, interests, or wellbeing. Maintaining trust during extended military deployment may be challenging for couples due to various factors such as distance, communication difficulties, uncertainties about each other's safety, and adjustment problems.