Military life involves regular moves and prolonged separations from loved ones due to deployment. Such circumstances can put strain on relationships between service members and their partners.
Some couples have been able to maintain relationship continuity despite these obstacles. This article discusses strategies that can help military couples sustain emotional connection and closeness when they must frequently move or are apart for extended periods.
One strategy is to be proactive about communication. Service members and their spouses should establish clear expectations regarding communication frequency during deployments. They can agree on times and modes of communication that work best for them, such as phone calls, texts, emails, video chats, letters, or care packages. Regular contact helps keep both partners feeling connected even though they may be far apart physically.
Another strategy is to prioritize quality time together when possible. When service members return home after deployment, they should take advantage of opportunities to spend time alone with their partner without interruptions or distractions. Couples who make effort to connect emotionally in this way often report improved intimacy and trust.
Couples should also seek out support networks. Military families often benefit from having a strong community of fellow soldiers' wives or husbands and friends within the same ranks. These groups provide companionship and mutual understanding, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness common among military spouses. Participating in group activities like game nights, potluck dinners, or volunteer projects can foster friendships and build resilience.
It is essential for military couples to practice self-care individually and together. Self-care means making time for personal hobbies and interests outside of relationship obligations. It may also involve taking breaks from social media, which can contribute to FOMO (fear of missing out) and comparisons with others. Shared self-care might include exercising, cooking healthy meals, and practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling.
Military couples must acknowledge and address potential challenges unique to their situation. They may need to talk openly about issues such as jealousy over socializing with other people or managing different parenting styles while raising children during deployments. With patience, honesty, and respect, these couples can work through any obstacles that arise.
Military couples can maintain relational continuity and emotional attunement by being proactive, prioritizing quality time, seeking support, engaging in self-care, and communicating openly. By doing so, they can weather the challenges associated with frequent relocations and deployments, deepen their connection, and emerge stronger than ever before.
What strategies allow military couples to maintain relational continuity and emotional attunement during frequent relocations and deployments?
The success of any relationship depends on communication, trust, intimacy, and shared experiences. When these components are strong, it becomes easier for couples to keep their relationship alive even if they have limited physical contact due to relocations and deployments. Military couples can adopt several strategies to maintain relational continuity and emotional attunement while apart from each other.