Veterans who return from military service often experience changes in their emotions and sexuality. These changes can affect their relationships with partners and family members. One of the most common ways that veterans may adapt is by rewriting their existing relationship scripts to include new elements related to their altered emotional and sexual responses. This process involves modifying past expectations about how they should interact with loved ones while also exploring new ways of expressing themselves within those relationships.
Emotional Responsiveness
One way veterans integrate altered emotional responsiveness into established relationship scripts is by being more open and honest about their feelings. Veterans may have become less emotive during their time in combat or under stressful conditions, which can lead them to suppress their feelings when returning home.
This suppression can cause problems in interpersonal communication if it continues unchecked. By acknowledging these emotions and expressing them in an appropriate manner, veterans can maintain healthy levels of intimacy and connection with their partner. They may also seek out support systems such as therapy or counseling to help process their experiences.
Sexual Responsiveness
Veterans may modify their sexual behaviors due to changes in physical and mental health.
Some vets may suffer from PTSD-related anxiety or depression that makes sex difficult or even undesirable. Others may find themselves attracted to new activities or partners after experiencing traumatic events during deployment. In either case, veterans need to work with their partners to establish a shared understanding of these shifts in sexuality. This may involve talking openly about preferences and needs before engaging in any activity or experimenting with different approaches until both parties feel comfortable.
Veterans who experience changes in libido or arousal may benefit from non-sexual forms of affection like cuddling or massage.
Established Relationship Scripts
In addition to modifying existing sexual and emotional responses, veterans must integrate altered responsiveness into established relationship scripts. These scripts are the patterns of behavior that we expect from our partners based on past experiences and cultural norms.
A couple may have always celebrated anniversaries with a dinner out, but now one partner is reluctant to leave the house due to anxiety. Rather than abandon this script entirely, they could explore other ways to celebrate the occasion, such as ordering takeout and watching a movie at home together. By acknowledging and adapting to changed circumstances, veterans can maintain continuity within their relationships while still allowing for personal growth and change.
In what ways do veterans integrate altered emotional and sexual responsiveness into established relationship scripts?
Although the extent of emotional and sexual changes experienced by each individual veteran may vary depending on their specific service history and personal background, many veterans report that they struggle with feelings of detachment from loved ones, difficulty engaging in intimate relationships, and an increased interest in risky behaviors such as substance abuse or gambling.