When love is combined with survival strategies, it creates a unique dynamic that can be both confusing and compelling. In wartime settings, this combination is necessary for survival, but it may have unintended consequences in civilian life after the conflict ends. Survival strategies often involve deception, manipulation, and selfishness, while love involves trust, vulnerability, and empathy. How do these conflicting motivations affect long-term relationships when they are blended together?
One way to think about this issue is through the lens of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the bottom of the pyramid are physiological needs such as food and shelter, followed by safety and security, social needs like friendship and belonging, esteem needs like respect and recognition, and finally, self-actualization needs like personal growth and creativity. Wartime conditions prioritize physiological and safety needs above all else, so soldiers may find themselves engaging in behaviors that violate their values or belief systems in order to stay alive. These behaviors can include lying, stealing, and even killing if necessary.
In a war setting, soldiers may form close bonds with comrades who become surrogates for family members back home. The sense of camaraderie and loyalty created during combat can be powerful, making it difficult to let go of those connections once the fighting stops. This can lead to difficulties adjusting to civilian life and maintaining healthy romantic relationships outside of the military context. Soldiers may also feel an obligation to protect their fellow soldiers, which can create tension in romantic relationships when partners feel left out or neglected.
When love becomes intertwined with survival strategies, both parties must work hard to balance their individual needs and desires with those of their partner. This requires open communication and understanding, which can be challenging in any relationship but especially so when one party has been traumatized by wartime experiences. It can also mean navigating complex emotions related to guilt, shame, and fear, which can impact intimacy and trust.
To maintain coherence outside of a war setting, couples need to establish clear boundaries and expectations around what is acceptable behavior within the relationship. They should discuss their individual motivations and needs openly and honestly, creating a safe space for each person to express their feelings without judgment. With time and patience, these blended motivations can coexist peacefully and contribute to a strong and lasting relationship.
What happens psychologically when love becomes intertwined with survival strategies, and can such blended motivations maintain coherence outside a war setting?
Love and survival are two primary motivators of human behavior, but when they become blended together, it is important to examine how this affects both individuals' cognition and decision making. In times of war, people may feel that their very survival depends on finding someone to love and form an attachment with. This can lead to intense feelings of security and safety, which can be beneficial for mental health during difficult circumstances.