Service members are individuals who serve their country by joining military forces. They often have to spend long periods away from home while deployed for various reasons like training exercises, combat missions, humanitarian assistance, etc. This can cause disruption in their daily routine and even result in emotional separation from loved ones. Relationships and marriages may become strained due to frequent changes and unpredictable schedules.
It's possible to maintain relational continuity during such times through effective communication techniques that promote trust, understanding, and mutual support. In this essay, I will discuss how service members assess relational continuity when habitual routines have been disrupted by long deployments and suggest some strategies to improve relationship stability.
The deployment phase is characterized by uncertainty about when or where one might be sent next. Service members may feel isolated and alone as they deal with unfamiliar surroundings and environments. The lack of familiar people around them makes it difficult to cope with these situations. Communication becomes essential during this time since it helps them stay connected to family members back home. Phone calls, video chats, emails, and social media posts help alleviate feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of closeness despite being apart physically.
Service members should express appreciation for their spouse or partner's sacrifices during deployment. They need to acknowledge the difficulties faced at home without them around and let them know they are still valued. It's crucial to ensure that both parties understand each other's needs and expectations before the deployment begins. This way, misunderstandings can be avoided later on.
If one person expects a romantic phone call while the other prefers regular check-ins, an agreement should be made beforehand regarding what kind of communication is expected.
Physical touch plays an important role in strengthening relationships even though there may not always be face-to-face contact available. Service members can send letters with pictures or videos featuring themselves engaging in intimate activities like cuddling or kissing. These actions show love even though they're separated geographically. Moreover, military personnel can send mementos from their travels such as souvenirs or keepsakes to remind loved ones of them. Reciprocal expressions of gratitude also promote relational continuity by reinforcing mutual affection.
It's vital for couples to have realistic expectations about communication frequency and content during deployments. If either party feels unheard or ignored, it could lead to resentment and anger. Active listening skills can help prevent miscommunications and resolve conflicts effectively. Listeners must demonstrate empathy by asking questions about how their partner feels instead of simply providing solutions. This shows understanding and compassion towards their struggles without judgment.
Deployments pose unique challenges to service member-partner relationships due to disruptions in routines and emotional distance. Communication techniques help maintain closeness despite being apart physically through letters/videos containing expressive gestures and mementos from distant locations. Listening actively helps resolve misunderstandings while ensuring both parties feel heard and valued regardless of physical separation distances. With these strategies, long deployments don't need to compromise the integrity of a relationship if partners remain committed to each other's needs and feelings.
How do service members assess relational continuity when habitual routines have been disrupted by long deployments?
Service members who experience frequent deployment can be prone to anxiety and depression due to disruptions in their daily routine and difficulty reconnecting with family members after long absences. They may also find it difficult to adapt to changes in family dynamics such as children growing up without them being present during important milestones. This can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation that can impact both mental health and relationship satisfaction.