Prolonged Absence and Relationship Commitment
Prolonged absence can have a significant impact on relationship commitment, especially in military couples who are apart for extended periods due to deployment or training. For many service members, loyalty and commitment are essential components of their relationships, but prolonged separation can challenge these principles. In this essay, we will explore how military personnel interpret relational loyalty and commitment during prolonged absence and the strategies they use to maintain strong bonds with partners back home.
Loyalty and Commitment
Service members define loyalty and commitment differently based on their unique experiences and circumstances. Some emphasize fidelity and trust, while others prioritize communication and compromise. Regardless of the specific definition, all agree that loyalty and commitment are necessary for healthy relationships. According to one study, active duty military personnel place a high value on "trustworthiness, honesty, and dependability" as essential elements of successful romantic relationships. They also report feeling more committed when they communicate openly and honestly with their partner about their thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Strategies for Maintaining Relationships
Despite the challenges of prolonged absence, military personnel use several strategies to sustain long-distance relationships. First, they rely heavily on technology to stay connected, using phone calls, text messages, video chats, and social media to bridge physical distance. Second, they make deliberate efforts to plan for future reunions, such as setting aside time for vacations together or making plans for weekend getaways. Third, they prioritize emotional intimacy over physical intimacy, focusing on building strong bonds through empathy, understanding, and mutual support.
Many military couples set clear expectations and boundaries around communication and intimacy, negotiating how often and in what ways they will connect during deployments or training periods.
Prolonged separation can test the limits of relational loyalty and commitment, but military personnel have developed effective strategies for maintaining healthy connections despite geographic distance. By relying on technology, planning ahead, emphasizing emotional connection, and establishing clear rules for communication, service members can build strong, lasting relationships that transcend physical barriers. As one study participant put it, "You just have to keep working at it. You gotta make sure you're still connecting and communicating even if you're not physically there."
How do service members interpret relational loyalty and commitment under conditions of prolonged absence?
Research shows that service members may view relational loyalty and commitment as complex concepts that are shaped by their unique experiences and perspectives. Under conditions of prolonged absence due to deployment or other military duties, service members may struggle with feelings of guilt, uncertainty, and disconnection from loved ones.