The study on deployments and military couples has examined how family separation is associated with relationship changes. Deployment can challenge individuals' relationships and may lead to intermittent conflicts. Conflicts arise from multiple sources such as communication difficulties, misunderstandings, and expectations mismatches. Military couples face more stressors than civilian partnerships due to the nature of military life. The deployment-induced conflicts often create emotional distress and hurt feelings between spouses.
It would be best if they found ways to forgive each other, repair emotions, and build resilience. This article highlights some mechanisms that facilitate forgiveness, emotional repair, and relational resilience after deployment-induced conflict.
Military families should practice active listening while resolving conflicts. Active listening involves giving full attention to one another and showing empathy during discussions. It helps prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication. When engaging in active listening, the listener does not interrupt or defend themselves while the speaker is talking. Instead, they pay attention to what the speaker says without judgment or prejudice. Listening actively allows for mutual understanding and promotes positive communication.
A wife could listen attentively when her husband expresses his frustration about not being able to spend time with their children due to work demands. She could demonstrate empathy by asking questions and acknowledging his concerns. By doing so, she shows respect and appreciates him. Therefore, active listening helps resolve conflicts, strengthens bonds, builds trust, and fosters forgiveness.
They should prioritize open communication. Couples can achieve open communication by sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely without fear of retribution. Open communication enables them to understand one another's perspectives better. Conversely, closed communication breeds secrecy, suspicion, and mistrust. It hinders forgiveness and reconciliation. A couple can maintain open communication through honest feedback sessions where they share their opinions on various issues affecting their relationship. Openness also prevents misunderstanding and encourages transparency.
If a spouse needs some alone time because of stress, the other partner should communicate it clearly. Such an approach makes it easier to address conflicts constructively and seek forgiveness.
Military couples should learn how to compromise and give each other space. Compromising involves sacrificing personal preferences and interests to meet each other's needs. Giving each other space means allowing independence while avoiding interference in daily activities. These mechanisms help reduce conflict and promote forgiveness after deployment-induced disputes. Military couples may consider taking turns at home chores or working out schedules that accommodate each other's commitments. They might agree on certain rules for socializing with friends. Both parties must be willing to sacrifice their demands and make necessary concessions for the sake of peace and harmony.
When one parent is deployed abroad, the other should respect his/her privacy during phone calls or video chats. This gesture strengthens trust and reduces tension.
What mechanisms facilitate forgiveness, emotional repair, and relational resilience after deployment-induced conflict?
There are several mechanisms that can facilitate forgiveness, emotional repair, and relational resilience after deployment-induced conflict. Firstly, it is important for individuals to acknowledge their own feelings and emotions surrounding the conflict. This means recognizing and validating the hurt that may have been caused, as well as understanding why they felt a certain way during the conflict.