The military is known for its strict rules and regulations that often lead to long periods of separation between partners. This can have a significant impact on their relationship, including sexual and emotional intimacy. One of the most important aspects of this is anticipating deployment. Anticipation of deployment can cause couples to become distant and disconnected, leading them to question their relationship and wonder if they will be able to maintain it during extended periods apart. This can create tension and anxiety, which can make it difficult to engage in sexual and emotional intimacy.
Anticipating deployment can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame. Couples may feel guilty about wanting to enjoy their time together while knowing that one partner will soon leave for an unknown length of time. They may feel ashamed because they cannot fully commit to each other emotionally or sexually, especially when there are plans for reunion. These negative emotions can result in avoidance behaviors such as withdrawing from physical contact or avoiding communication about the future of the relationship.
Fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead during deployment can also impact sexual and emotional intimacy. The stress of being away from home, worrying about loved ones, and coping with changes in routine can all contribute to decreased libido and decreased interest in connecting with others emotionally. This can further strain relationships and make it harder to stay connected even after returning from deployment.
Anticipating deployment has numerous effects on sexual and emotional intimacy. It can cause distance, guilt, shame, fear, and uncertainty, making it challenging for military couples to maintain healthy connections with one another.
There are ways to prepare for these challenges before deployment to help mitigate their impact.
Couples can communicate openly about their concerns and expectations, establish routines that keep them connected, and work on strengthening their emotional bond. With effort and support, military couples can navigate this difficult period and come out stronger than ever.
In what ways does anticipation of deployment influence sexual and emotional intimacy?
Research suggests that for some individuals, anticipating military deployment can impact their relationships and sexual life in several ways. Firstly, it may increase anxiety, stress, and other negative emotions which could make it challenging to maintain healthy intimacy with partners (Berg et al. , 2019).