What strategies help LGBT couples maintain relational stability across multiple deployments?
Strategies to Maintain Relationship Stability during Deployments
Couples who are part of the LGBT community face unique challenges when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of military life. Deployment can be especially difficult for these couples due to the added stressors that come along with being away from one another for extended periods of time.
There are several strategies that can be used to help maintain relational stability despite the distance.
One of the most important things that LGBT couples can do is establish clear communication channels before deployment begins. This means creating a plan for how often they will communicate with each other while apart and setting boundaries around topics that may cause tension or conflict. It's also helpful to establish ground rules about what types of activities should be avoided during deployment, such as excessive drinking or spending time alone with members of the opposite sex.
Another strategy is to practice active listening and empathy when communicating with your partner during deployments. When you listen carefully to your partner's needs and feelings, you show them that their experiences matter to you and can help build trust in the relationship. Empathizing also helps reduce misunderstandings and miscommunication that can arise when dealing with distance.
It's essential to make sure you have some sort of regular physical contact during deployments, whether it's through video chats or letters. Touch is an important way we connect with our partners, so finding ways to stay physically connected can help ease some of the emotional pain associated with being apart.
Sharing photos, videos, and other mementos can help keep memories alive until reunification occurs.
It's crucial to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to adjusting plans for reunions after deployment ends. Often, changes happen unexpectedly during military life, which can mean alterations in travel arrangements or even last-minute delays. Having a positive attitude and remaining open-minded to changing circumstances can help minimize stress during this time.
Maintaining relational stability across multiple deployments requires effort from both partners in the LGBT community. By establishing clear communication channels, practicing active listening and empathy, finding ways to stay physically connected, and being flexible about reunion plans, couples can weather these challenges together and come out stronger than ever before.
What strategies help LGBT couples maintain relational stability across multiple deployments?
The psychological and social support of both partners is crucial for maintaining relational stability during military deployments. They need to be open and honest with each other about their needs, feelings, fears, and expectations. This includes setting realistic goals and plans for communication while apart, discussing finances, managing household responsibilities, expressing affection and care, and staying connected through technology such as video chats, phone calls, emails, and letters.