Strategies for Maintaining Relational Satisfaction During Unpredictable Operational Schedules
For military personnel, unpredictable operational schedules can be challenging when it comes to maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones back home. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help soldiers stay connected and satisfied with their partners while deployed or otherwise away from them for long periods of time. Here's what you need to know.
Communication is Key
One strategy for maintaining relational satisfaction during unpredictable schedules is frequent communication. This means keeping in touch with your partner via phone calls, text messages, emails, video chats, and social media. It also means making sure you schedule these communications ahead of time so that both parties have something to look forward to. Regular contact helps keep the relationship strong and allows both people to feel like they are still part of each other's lives even though they may be apart physically.
Be Honest About Your Situation
Another important strategy is being honest about your situation. Soldiers should be open and transparent about where they are and how much time they have available for their partner. They should also share information about the work they do, including any risks involved and why they may not always be able to talk freely about certain topics due to security restrictions. Being upfront about these things will help build trust between partners and reduce misunderstandings down the line.
Make Time for Intimacy When Possible
When possible, make time for intimacy with your partner. Even if this isn't often or easy, finding ways to express physical affection through letters or video chats can go a long way towards keeping the spark alive.
Soldiers should try to plan out special dates or activities when they do have downtime, such as going on romantic walks together over FaceTime or planning a special dinner date when they return home from deployment.
What strategies help soldiers maintain relational satisfaction during unpredictable operational schedules?
The strategies that help soldiers maintain relational satisfaction during unpredictable operational schedules include prioritizing communication with their partners, seeking social support from military community members, establishing routines and rituals for reconnecting when possible, practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, and being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.