What Strategies Enable Soldiers to Preserve Intimacy During Rotational Deployments?
The most important strategy for preserving intimacy during rotational deployments is setting clear expectations beforehand. This involves discussing expectations about communication frequency, the types of activities that will be done together while apart, and how often partners will meet each other when they return home. It also involves establishing ground rules for privacy and boundaries.
Communication Frequency
Establishing regular communication times can help soldiers preserve intimacy during rotational deployments. Ideally, couples should agree upon specific days and times to check in with one another, such as every morning, evening, or weekend. This allows both parties to stay connected emotionally and physically, even if they are far apart. Some methods of communication that may be used include text messaging, video calls, emails, letters, or phone calls.
Types of Activities
Couples should discuss what types of activities they would like to do together while apart and make plans accordingly.
Some couples may choose to read books aloud to each other over the phone, write letters to each other, or watch movies or shows together from different locations. Engaging in these activities can help keep the relationship feeling close and familiar despite physical distance.
Meeting Times
Couples should plan ahead for meeting times once their deployment ends. This could involve arranging flights or train tickets in advance so that partners can coordinate a reunion date. It's important to remember that reuniting after a long separation can be emotional and stressful, so preparing for this event can help reduce anxiety and ensure that the time is spent meaningfully.
Privacy and Boundaries
It's crucial for soldiers to set boundaries around privacy and maintain them throughout their deployment. This involves being honest about personal limits and preferences regarding communication, activities, and physical contact when reunited. It also means respecting partner wishes and avoiding any behavior that might violate trust or intimacy.
What strategies enable soldiers to preserve intimacy during rotational deployments?
Soldiers have multiple strategies to preserve intimacy during rotational deployments that allow them to maintain strong bonds with their partners back home. These tactics include frequent communication, prioritizing time together when reunited, and cultivating hobbies to establish independence from one another. Frequent communication is essential for preserving intimacy between deployed soldiers and their partners.