Intimacy between partners is an important part of any relationship. It includes physical and emotional closeness that develops over time through shared experiences, trust, understanding, communication, and vulnerability.
Some factors can interfere with this bond, including working conditions or being exposed to different types of combat scenarios. When one partner faces higher risks than the other, they may feel alone, scared, stressed out, or even jealous. This can lead to resentment and misunderstandings in their relationship.
How Intimacy Is Impacted by Operational Risk or Exposure to Combat
When couples face unequal operational risk or exposure to combat, it can affect their ability to maintain intimacy. Partners who work in high-risk jobs or environments have a greater chance of facing challenges, injuries, death, trauma, mental health problems, and other negative consequences. They may experience stress, fear, anxiety, depression, PTSD, guilt, shame, anger, frustration, and isolation from loved ones. These feelings can make them feel less connected to their partner and cause them to withdraw emotionally. Partners who are exposed to combat often find themselves dealing with traumatic events that change their lives forever. This can lead to difficulty sleeping, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, startle responses, irritability, aggression, anger outbursts, avoidance behavior, social withdrawal, and a lack of interest in sex.
Ways Couples Can Maintain Intimacy Despite Different Risks or Exposures
To help build and maintain intimacy despite these challenges, partners need to communicate openly about their experiences, support each other, be patient, respectful, understanding, compassionate, trustworthy, and considerate. When one partner is facing more operational risks or exposure to combat than the other, they should try not to compare themselves but rather focus on what they can control. Both partners should learn how to express their needs, fears, worries, joys, and desires without judgment or criticism. It's important for couples to create time for themselves together, such as spending quality time, going out, engaging in physical activity, having conversations, and doing activities they enjoy. They should also practice active listening, offer reassurance, and show appreciation. When possible, they should work together to reduce stressors like finances or parenting responsibilities. Lastly, they should seek professional help if needed to address any mental health concerns or relationship issues.
How do couples maintain intimacy when partners face unequal operational risk or exposure to combat?
According to research, couples can maintain intimacy by establishing open communication channels about their needs, desires, and fears related to military service or other high-risk occupations, engaging in shared activities that bring them closer together despite the distance between them, and seeking professional help if needed. Couples may also find comfort and support from organizations such as Blue Star Families, Military OneSource, and Operation Homefront.