How do partners navigate relational recalibration when soldiers' worldview, priorities, or ethical perspectives have shifted?
Relationship changes after deployment
Deployment can cause significant changes to an individual's worldview, priorities, and ethical perspectives. These shifts may impact their relationship with their partner, which could lead to a need for relational recalibration. Relational recalibration refers to the process of adjusting one's expectations, behaviors, and communication styles in response to these changes.
Changes to worldview
Deployment often exposes individuals to new experiences, cultures, and situations that challenge their beliefs about themselves and others. This can result in changes to their personal values, moral code, and understanding of the world around them.
Soldiers who witness human rights violations during deployment may develop a more critical view of authority figures and institutions. They may question traditional gender roles or social norms they once held dear. Their experiences abroad may also impact their perception of danger and security, leading to altered risk tolerance levels. All of this can significantly affect how they relate to their partner upon return.
Changes to priorities
Soldiers returning from deployment may experience a sense of disconnection from civilian life. They may feel out of place in society and struggle to find meaningful work outside the military. Deployments can also take a toll on mental health, leaving some individuals with PTSD or other psychological issues. As a result, they may be less willing to commit time and energy to their relationships and focus on meeting their immediate needs first. Partners must learn to navigate these changes by offering support without pressuring the soldier to prioritize their relationship over their own well-being.
Changes to ethical perspectives
Military training teaches soldiers to follow strict rules and regulations, but deployments may expose them to gray areas where those guidelines are not always clear-cut. Soldiers may become accustomed to breaking rules or acting unethically to achieve goals, which could change their perspective on morality and justice. It is essential for partners to understand that these shifts do not make the soldier bad or immoral but rather reflect the challenges of warfare.
Navigating relational recalibration
Relational recalibration requires open communication, empathy, and patience from both partners. The soldier should explain how their worldview, priorities, and ethics have changed and why it's impacting their relationship. The partner should listen actively and try to understand the soldier's perspective without judgment. Together, they can explore ways to accommodate these changes while still maintaining a strong and fulfilling connection. This might involve compromise, setting boundaries, and adjusting expectations.
If the soldier has developed a more critical view of authority figures, the partner could work to challenge their assumptions without being accusatory or dismissive.
Navigating relational recalibration after deployment can be challenging for military couples.
With open communication and understanding, both partners can adapt to the changes and strengthen their bond.
How do partners navigate relational recalibration when soldiers' worldview, priorities, or ethical perspectives have shifted?
Partners of returning military veterans may find it difficult to navigate relational recalibrations due to the changes in their partner's worldview, priorities, or ethical perspectives resulting from their experiences on deployment. The transition back into civilian life can be challenging for both parties involved as they adapt to new routines, roles, and responsibilities.