Soldiers deploy for several reasons such as training exercises, combat missions, disaster relief, diplomatic efforts, peacekeeping operations, etc. During the duration of their deployment, they are away from family, friends, and loved ones. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which may impact their mental health and well-being. Physical separation also means that it is challenging to maintain connections and share affection with others in a traditional way. Soldiers must find alternative ways to express their emotions and stay connected, such as through phone calls, letters, video chats, and social media. They may even develop new bonds with fellow soldiers or locals.
Physical distance affects the meaning assigned to connection and affection by changing how they understand them.
Emotional distance and relationship maintenance
When soldiers are apart, they experience emotional distance, which is a form of psychological pain. It makes them feel isolated and alone, leading to negative emotions like sadness, anxiety, and stress. The absence of daily interactions with loved ones causes them to reevaluate their relationships, leading to changes in perception.
Small gestures become more significant because they cannot be replicated physically, while trivial matters lose importance due to lack of relevance. As a result, soldiers may assign greater significance to the importance of communication and physical presence.
New connections and alternative expressions
Physical separation pushes soldiers to seek alternative methods to connect and express themselves, often with strangers. Many troops build new friendships and romantic relationships abroad, sometimes leading to marriage or long-term partnerships. These new connections require different forms of expression, such as digital correspondence instead of in-person visits.
Virtual hugs and kisses have become popular among military couples separated by deployment. This can make intimacy and closeness feel unrealistic compared to face-to-face contact but still provide comfort and support.
Reassessment of traditional notions of love and commitment
Soldiers' experiences away from home challenge their beliefs about love and commitment. Deployment forces them to explore alternative ways to stay connected without being together physically. They must find new meaning in relationships based on shared values, rather than proximity. This shift highlights the importance of shared interests and goals, overcoming obstacles together, mutual respect, and trust. Soldiers may also see how their actions affect others' lives, which helps them appreciate the impact of their choices on those back home.
Physical distance caused by deployment changes the way soldiers view connection and affection. It makes emotional distance painful and requires finding new ways to maintain relationships.
It can lead to deeper bonds and a redefinition of what it means to be close to someone, both emotionally and physically.
How does physical distance caused by deployment affect the philosophical meaning soldiers assign to connection and affection?
The lack of physical proximity during deployment can alter how soldiers perceive connection and affection with their loved ones. Deployment often involves long periods away from home, which can cause feelings of disconnection and loneliness. Soldiers may feel like they are missing out on important events and milestones in their family's lives, such as birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations.