The following strategies can help build and maintain relational resilience and satisfaction in military couples facing separation:
1. Communication: Military couples need to maintain open and honest communication about their feelings, needs, concerns, and plans during separation. This includes sharing updates regularly, checking in frequently, expressing gratitude for each other's sacrifices, and finding ways to stay connected even when apart.
2. Trust: Building and maintaining trust is essential in military relationships. Couples must be able to rely on one another to make good decisions and keep promises. They should also trust that their partner will take care of themselves and their family while they are away.
3. Support network: Having a strong support network of friends and family members who understand the challenges of military life can provide emotional and practical support during times of separation. It can help ease anxiety and loneliness and provide much-needed companionship.
4. Time management: Managing time effectively is crucial for military couples. Planning activities together before separation and making time for regular check-ins during deployment can help prevent feeling disconnected or neglected.
5. Flexibility: Being flexible and adaptable to change is important in military relationships. Both partners must be willing to adjust to new circumstances and unexpected situations without getting frustrated or angry.
6. Positive self-talk: Staying positive and maintaining a healthy mindset can improve mental and physical well-being. Encouraging oneself to focus on strengths, achievements, and progress helps build confidence and resilience.
7. Emotional intimacy: Maintaining emotional intimacy through letters, phone calls, video chats, and visits can help build and sustain feelings of closeness. Sharing experiences, thoughts, and emotions can strengthen the bond between partners.
8. Rituals and traditions: Creating rituals and traditions during separation can bring comfort and familiarity. This could include sharing meals, playing games, or watching movies together.
9. Reunion planning: Preparing for reunion by discussing expectations, setting boundaries, and creating a plan can make the transition back home easier. Communicating about any changes or difficulties that have occurred while apart can also reduce stress and conflict.
10. Self-care: Taking care of one's own needs is essential for maintaining resilience. Military couples should prioritize sleep, exercise, nutrition, hobbies, and leisure activities that promote well-being. They should also seek support from friends, family, and professionals when needed.
By implementing these strategies, military couples can navigate separation with greater ease and emerge stronger than ever before.
What strategies support relational resilience and satisfaction in couples facing military-induced separation?
Relational resilience and satisfaction can be supported by effective communication, positive coping with stressors, and maintaining shared meaning systems between partners (Watson & Lahad, 2016). Effective communication involves active listening, acknowledging feelings, expressing affection, and negotiating solutions to problems (Lerner et al. , 2007).