How to Survive Military Marriage and Make It Better
Military marriages face unique challenges due to the nature of military life, including frequent relocations, long deployments, and the stress associated with military duties. However, there are several strategies that couples can employ to not only survive but also thrive in their relationships.
1. Take Advantage of Marriage Enrichment Programs
Participating in marriage enrichment programs can significantly strengthen a military marriage. These programs provide couples with tools and techniques to enhance their relationship before deployments or after long separations. Each branch of the military offers specific retreats designed for couples:
- CREDO Marriage Enrichment Retreats (Navy and Coast Guard)
- Marriage Care (Air Force)
- Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (Marines)
- Strong Bonds (Army)
These retreats focus on building communication skills, fostering intimacy, and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Couples should sign up well in advance as these programs often fill up quickly.
2. Foster Honest Communication
Honesty is crucial in maintaining a strong relationship, especially when partners are frequently apart. Open communication helps build trust and allows couples to discuss feelings and concerns without fear of judgment. Here are some ways to promote honest conversations:
- Address issues as they arise rather than letting them fester.
- Use “I” statements to express feelings (e.g., “I feel…”).
- Maintain mutual respect during discussions.
- Utilize apps like Love Every Day that encourage daily conversations through prompts.
By prioritizing open dialogue, couples can navigate challenges more effectively.
Financial stress is one of the leading causes of marital discord. To mitigate this risk, couples should have regular financial meetings to discuss budgets, debts, and financial goals. Strategies include:
- Taking a financial planning class together.
- Using budgeting apps like EveryDollar to track expenses.
- Setting clear financial goals as a team.
By being proactive about finances, couples can reduce misunderstandings and work towards shared objectives.
Having a robust support system is vital for military families. This network can include friends, family members, or fellow military families who understand the unique challenges faced by service members and their spouses. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice.
5. Prioritize Quality Time Together
When time together is limited due to deployments or training schedules, it becomes essential to make the most of those moments. Couples should prioritize quality time by planning activities that foster connection—whether it’s date nights at home or exploring new places during leave periods.
6. Develop Coping Strategies for Stress
Military life can be stressful; therefore, developing coping mechanisms is crucial for both partners’ mental health. This might include individual therapy sessions or couple’s counseling focused on managing stress related to deployments or PTSD from combat experiences.
7. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
The unpredictable nature of military life requires couples to be flexible and adaptable in their plans and expectations. Learning how to adjust plans when necessary helps reduce frustration and fosters resilience within the relationship.
In conclusion, while military marriages face distinct challenges due to the demands of service life, employing effective strategies such as participating in enrichment programs, fostering honest communication, managing finances collaboratively, building support networks, prioritizing quality time together, developing coping strategies for stress management, and embracing flexibility can significantly enhance the strength and satisfaction within these relationships.
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