Military life is characterized by strict adherence to rules, regulations, and protocols that promote orderliness, efficiency, and discipline. This culture of discipline extends beyond the battlefield into personal relationships, where it can affect how soldiers express their emotions, particularly in intimate settings. In this essay, I will explore how military discipline and stoicism influence the natural expression of emotion in intimate relationships.
Military Discipline
The military lifestyle requires strict adherence to codes of conduct, which are designed to maintain order and discipline within the ranks. Soldiers must obey orders without question, follow chain of command structures, and conform to rigid standards of behavior. This culture of discipline carries over into personal relationships, where soldiers may find it difficult to express emotions freely due to fear of reprisal or social disapproval.
A soldier who expresses vulnerability or weakness in front of his fellow soldiers may be seen as unfit for combat, weak-minded, or even cowardly. As such, he may suppress his emotional needs, leading to difficulties in building close relationships with others outside the military environment.
Stoicism
In addition to discipline, military culture promotes stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes self-control, endurance, and indifference to pain or pleasure. Stoicism teaches that emotions should be controlled, rather than expressed openly, in order to maintain control over one's own destiny. This philosophy also encourages soldiers to suppress any negative feelings that might interfere with their ability to perform their duties effectively. As a result, many veterans struggle with expressing emotions in intimate relationships after leaving the military. They may feel uncomfortable sharing their innermost thoughts and desires with partners out of fear that they will appear weak or vulnerable.
Impact on Intimacy
The combination of military discipline and stoicism can have a profound impact on intimacy in personal relationships. In particular, these factors can lead to difficulty communicating emotions, trust issues, and problems with intimacy. Soldiers may find themselves unable to fully connect with their partners emotionally, resulting in a sense of distance or detachment from them. They may also struggle to express affection or desire without feeling judged or criticized.
Military life requires a high level of discipline and stoicism, which can carry over into personal relationships, making it difficult for former soldiers to express their emotions freely.
With time and patience, these barriers can be overcome through therapy, counseling, and open communication with partners who understand and support their needs. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, veterans can work towards building stronger, more fulfilling relationships based on mutual understanding and trust.
How does military discipline and stoicism influence the natural expression of emotion in intimate relationships?
Discipline and stoicism are important values for soldiers, which can have an impact on their personal lives. These traits often translate into a lack of emotional openness in intimate relationships. While this can be seen as a positive trait in some situations, it may also lead to difficulties with communication and understanding one's partner's needs.