The relationship between soldiers and their loved ones is often affected by the traumatic experiences they undergo while serving their country. According to a study conducted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 42% of veterans who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq reported experiencing a decline in their romantic relationships after returning from deployment. This can be attributed to the fact that being exposed to life-threatening events alters the way individuals prioritize their emotional and relational needs, which has implications for their intimate relationships.
When faced with danger, soldiers may experience a heightened sense of mortality, leading them to reevaluate what matters most in life. This includes their physical safety, survival instincts, and ability to protect themselves and others. As a result, they may become more focused on these aspects of life than on their emotional and interpersonal connections.
The trauma experienced during warfare can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can further impact sexual, emotional, and relational priorities. PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, and negative thoughts can make it difficult for individuals to connect emotionally with others and engage in healthy relationships.
Military partnerships are often characterized by high levels of stress due to separation and frequent deployments. This can create feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, making it challenging for couples to maintain intimacy and closeness. The constant stress of deployment can also lead to resentment and conflict, which can strain the relationship even further. These factors all contribute to the need for soldiers to shift their focus away from emotional and relational needs towards survival instincts.
Despite these challenges, there are ways for military partners to strengthen their relationships despite the effects of exposure to life-threatening events.
Couples can engage in activities that promote physical and emotional connection, such as going on dates or taking vacations together. They can also seek support from therapists who specialize in working with veterans and their families.
Open communication about experiences and concerns can help build trust and understanding between partners. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by military members and being willing to work through them together, couples can recalibrate their sexual, emotional, and relational priorities in a way that is sustainable and fulfilling.
How does exposure to life-threatening events recalibrate sexual, emotional, and relational priorities in military partnerships?
The experience of being exposed to life-threatening situations can have a significant impact on the sexual, emotional, and relational priorities in military partnerships. When faced with such circumstances, couples may feel an increased sense of urgency to express their love and affection for one another as a way to cope with the fear and anxiety associated with the situation.