Veteran Comfort With Physical Intimacy And Erotic Exploration
Note that this is an introduction to a research paper.
There has been growing concern for the well-being of military veterans who return home from deployment and struggle to readjust to civilian life. One aspect of their lives that may suffer is their ability to engage in healthy sexual relationships.
Partners can play a vital role in supporting veterans' comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration. This essay will examine how partners can help veterans regain comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration after experiencing trauma or stress during their time in service. The essay will begin by discussing some common challenges facing veterans returning to civilian life, including difficulties adjusting to social norms, experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coping with changes in sexual identity. Next, it will explore ways partners can support their veteran loved ones' sexual health by providing emotional support, communicating openly about sex, engaging in activities together, and setting boundaries.
It will provide practical tips for creating a safe space for sexual expression within the relationship.
Challenges Facing Veterans Returning From Deployment
Veterans face various challenges upon reintegrating into civilian life, such as difficulty transitioning to new social roles, navigating civilian relationships, and managing PTSD symptoms.
According to the National Center for PTSD, 20% of veterans experience PTSD following deployment. Common symptoms include flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, and negative thoughts or moods (National Center for PTSD). These experiences can affect sexual functioning, as PTSD often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame (McKnight et al., 2018). In addition, many veterans struggle with issues related to their gender identity or sexual orientation due to the rigidity of military culture (Chin & Kangas, 2013). They may have been forced to repress their sexual desires during deployment and lack positive examples of LGBTQ+ people in the military (Bullough et al., 2015; McKnight et al., 2018). As a result, they may feel uncomfortable exploring their eroticism or pursuing intimacy after returning home (Bullough et al., 2015). Partners must be sensitive to these struggles when supporting their veteran loved ones' sexual health.
Communication And Emotional Support
To support veterans' comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration, partners should communicate openly about sex and provide emotional support. This means listening actively and acknowledging the veteran's feelings without judgment (Rubin et al., 2016). Veterans may need time to process their trauma before engaging in sexual activity again (Rubin et al., 2016), so it is essential to respect this process. It is also crucial to validate the veteran's fears and concerns around sex, such as worrying that they will not perform well or experience pain during intercourse (Hallie Ephron, 2017). By validating these worries, partners can help veterans feel understood and safe enough to explore new experiences.
Engage In Activities Together
Another way for partners to support veterans' comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration is by engaging in activities together outside the bedroom. These activities could include going on dates, watching pornography, or simply cuddling while watching TV. The goal is to create an environment where the couple feels comfortable talking about sex without pressure or expectation. This can lead to increased sexual pleasure and satisfaction over time (Schmitt & Buss, 2014).
Partners should avoid forcing intimate encounters or pushing boundaries too soon (Rubin et al., 2016). Instead, they should take things at a pace that works best for both parties.
Set Clear Boundaries
Partners can support their veteran loved ones' sexual health by setting clear boundaries.
Veterans who have experienced abuse may struggle with trust issues, making them hesitant to engage in intimate activities (Rubin et al., 2016). Partners can show their commitment to safety by being explicit about what activities are off-limits and respecting these boundaries (National Center for PTSD). They can also reassure the veteran of their love and acceptance beyond the bedroom, which can boost confidence and reduce anxiety around sex (McKnight et al., 2018).
Practical Tips
To create a safe space for sexual expression within the relationship, partners can try practicing self-care, using lubrication during intercourse, and experimenting with different positions or props (Hallie Ephron, 2017; Rubin et al., 2016). These tips can help veterans feel more comfortable exploring their eroticism and regain comfort with physical intimacy after returning home from deployment.
Partners play an essential role in supporting veterans' comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration after deployment. By communicating openly about sex, providing emotional support, engaging in activities together, and setting clear boundaries, partners can create a safe space for their veteran loved ones to explore new experiences. This article has provided practical tips for doing so and shown how such support is critical to veterans' overall well-being.
In what ways do partners support veterans in regaining comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration?
Partners who are committed to supporting veterans in regaining comfort with physical intimacy and erotic exploration should prioritize patience, nonjudgmentalism, openness, and acceptance. They should create an environment where their partner feels safe and supported to take their time to adjust and try new things without pressure or anxiety.