Military couples are a unique group among the general population, facing distinct challenges related to their partners' service. One of the most significant difficulties is how to maintain relational continuity when operational demands disrupt communication, routines, and rituals that sustain intimate connections. This paper explores how military couples navigate these interruptions and keep their relationship strong despite deployment and other factors that can disrupt relational continuity.
How do military couples stay connected?
The nature of military service often necessitates long periods away from home, during which time spouses may experience stress and loneliness. To cope with this separation, couples rely on various methods of connection, such as video calls, letters, emails, and text messages. These forms of communication provide regular updates about life back home, but they cannot fully replace physical presence. Still, couples must make the best of what they have available while apart, even if it means relying heavily on technology for communication. Some military spouses also take up new hobbies or volunteer work to distract themselves from missing their partner and build support networks.
The role of routine and ritual in relationships
Routine and ritual play an important part in creating stability and predictability in relationships.
Many couples establish daily habits like sharing breakfast together or watching TV before bedtime. Military families face additional challenges in maintaining these routines due to frequent moves and deployments, but creativity can help them find alternatives.
Some military wives create "deployment kits" with items that remind them of their partners, such as scented candles or photographs, to use during solo times. Others develop new traditions around holidays or special occasions.
Strategies for maintaining intimacy
In addition to routines and rituals, military couples need to prioritize intimacy and closeness when possible. This involves making time for one-on-one dates, planning activities together, and being physically present in the moment instead of getting lost in everyday tasks. It also requires vulnerability and honesty about feelings and needs. Couples who can communicate openly and empathetically are better equipped to weather the storms of deployment and other relationship stressors.
Military couples face unique obstacles when it comes to relational continuity, but they have developed strategies to overcome these difficulties. By staying connected through communication and creative coping mechanisms, they keep their bond strong even amidst operational demands. Intimate moments and regular rituals provide a sense of comfort and predictability, while open communication helps build trust and understanding. With dedication and effort, military couples can maintain healthy relationships despite disruptions caused by military service.
How do military couples maintain relational continuity when operational demands disrupt communication, routines, and rituals?
Military couples face unique challenges that can make it difficult to maintain relational continuity when operational demands disrupt communication, routines, and rituals. Military deployments, training exercises, and other duties can take soldiers away from home for extended periods of time, which can strain relationships and cause feelings of isolation and loneliness for both partners.