Emotional closeness is an essential aspect of human relationships that can be affected by deployment. When soldiers are deployed, they often experience significant changes in their lives, including personal growth and new experiences. These changes may affect how they view emotional closeness and their ability to feel connected to others. In this article, we will explore how individuals interpret emotional closeness after deployment and how personal growth during deployment impacts it. We will also discuss strategies for maintaining emotional closeness despite these changes.
How do individuals interpret emotional closeness?
Before exploring how personal growth experienced during deployment impacts emotional closeness, let's examine what emotional closeness means. Emotional closeness refers to the feeling of being emotionally connected to another person. It involves trust, intimacy, and understanding. Individuals who are emotionally close feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. They also feel understood and supported by one another. Emotional closeness is vital in healthy romantic relationships, friendships, and family bonds.
Emotional closeness can take many forms, but there are common characteristics shared by all types.
Emotional closeness often involves physical touch, such as hugging or holding hands. It also involves verbal communication, such as sharing personal stories or listening attentively.
Emotional closeness includes nonverbal cues, such as eye contact or body language. All of these factors contribute to a sense of connection between two people.
Individuals typically develop an idea of what emotional closeness feels like based on their experiences.
If someone has had positive experiences with intimate relationships, they may believe that emotional closeness should involve certain behaviors.
This viewpoint may not always be accurate. Different people experience emotional closeness differently, which can lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding. This is especially true after deployment when soldiers have undergone significant personal growth.
Personal growth during deployment
Deployment is a challenging time for military members, and it can result in significant changes in their lives. Some of these changes include:
- Increased independence and self-reliance
- Greater awareness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Enhanced leadership abilities
These changes can impact how individuals interpret emotional closeness.
Individuals who have become more independent may find it difficult to share their feelings or express vulnerability. They may feel less comfortable being emotionally close because it requires trust and openness. Individuals who have experienced new cultures or languages may struggle to connect with those who have different perspectives. And individuals who have gained leadership skills may find themselves leading instead of following, which can strain relationships.
Impact of personal growth on emotional closeness
The personal growth experienced during deployment can alter how individuals interpret emotional closeness. Soldiers who have changed as people may no longer feel comfortable with their former definition of emotional closeness. They may also struggle to maintain the same level of connection with loved ones who haven't experienced similar growth. These shifts can create tension within relationships, making it difficult to communicate needs and desires.
Let's say a soldier has grown more independent during deployment and struggles to be vulnerable with his wife. He may withdraw from her emotionally, causing her to feel disconnected and unloved. She may not understand why he isn't sharing his thoughts and feelings anymore, leading to conflict. To resolve this issue, they must first acknowledge that his personal growth has affected his interpretation of emotional closeness. Then, they can work together to create a new definition that meets both of their needs.
Strategies for maintaining emotional closeness despite changes
Despite these challenges, there are strategies military members can use to maintain emotional closeness after deployment. Here are some suggestions:
- Communicate openly about your experiences - Share what you learned during deployment with your partner or family members. This will help them better understand your perspective and how it has changed.
- Be patient with one another - Recognize that personal growth takes time, and your loved ones may need time to adjust to your new viewpoint. Give each other grace as you learn to navigate these changes.
- Experiment with different forms of communication - Try new ways of connecting, such as writing letters or sending photos. This can help you find alternative methods of expressing love and support outside of traditional modes.
- Seek professional help if needed - If emotional closeness continues to be an issue, seek counseling or therapy to explore the underlying issues. A neutral third party can provide insight and guidance on how to improve relationships.
Individuals interpret emotional closeness differently based on their personal experiences. When deployed soldiers undergo significant personal growth, they may struggle to connect emotionally with loved ones who have not experienced similar shifts.
By communicating openly, being patient with one another, experimenting with new forms of communication, and seeking help when necessary, military members can maintain emotional closeness in their relationships.
How do individuals interpret emotional closeness that feels altered by personal growth experienced during deployment?
Research on deployments suggest that people may experience feelings of emotional detachment, distance, and disconnection while being away from their loved ones for extended periods of time. This can be especially challenging when there is a significant change in one's relationship status, such as entering into a new romantic relationship or becoming a parent during deployment.