Add Row
Add Element
cropper
update
The Homeward Journey
update
Add Element
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Parenting in Military Families
    • “New Normal” After Deployment
February 17.2026
2 Minutes Read

The Six Second Kiss: Essential Tool for Military Relationship Health

The Six Second Kiss

Why Physical Touch Matters for Military Couples

Physical touch can be a critical factor in maintaining emotional intimacy, particularly for military couples who often face unique challenges due to frequent separations. A six-second kiss, as simple as it sounds, can create a significant bond, promoting feelings of love and security during stressful times. Dr. Jennifer Rubolino highlights the role of physical affection in establishing a strong emotional connection. This connection is essential for military families where each reunion is both a joy and a challenge.

Overcoming Routine with Novelty

When life becomes routine, relationships can suffer from stagnation. For military couples, daily responsibilities can overshadow quality time spent together. Breaking out of the monotonous routine with new experiences—such as tackling an escape room or trying a cooking class—can help reignite passion and curiosity within the relationship. These shared experiences become cherished memories that strengthen bonds in high-stress environments.

Emphasizing Connection During Deployment

Deployment can exacerbate feelings of disconnection, making it even more crucial for military partners to find ways to stay emotionally connected. Whether through technology or planning activities for when they are home, fostering a sense of togetherness is vital. Military families should actively engage in open communication and encourage practices like marriage counseling or relationship therapy to tackle challenges that come from being apart.

Creating Shared Goals

Shared goals are another way to enhance connection. Military couples might consider establishing family activities or collaborative projects that motivate them to work towards something together. This could be as simple as planning a vacation post-deployment or setting fitness objectives. Having mutual aims can promote teamwork and support, essential elements that keep partners bonded during tough times.

Marriage & Relationship Support

2 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
02.17.2026

Unpacking Emotional GPS: Why Your Family of Origin Impacts You

Update Understanding Your Emotional GPS Have you ever felt a rush of emotions that seem to stem from moments long gone? This phenomenon isn't just a trick played by your mind; it's your emotional GPS quietly navigating your reactions—even when it feels irrelevant. Our family of origin plays a pivotal role in shaping how we perceive and respond to life's challenges, almost imperceptibly guiding our emotional reactions into adulthood. The Power of Implicit Triggers Consider this: a casual comment from your partner about leaving the lights on might prompt an unexpectedly intense emotional response. For some, this situation resonates with childhood memories of an overcritical parent. These implicit triggers often echo the dynamics we experienced growing up, causing us to respond not to the current situation, but to lingering feelings from our past. As children, we learn to navigate emotional landscapes—sometimes with great difficulty—and those same lessons become impressions etched deeply into our psyche. Relationships: The Ties That Bind When reflecting on your past, think of your family as your first social experiment. As you navigated family situations, you absorbed guidelines regarding emotional safety, conflict resolution, and how to express feelings. If your childhood home was marked by silence during heated moments, you might find yourself retreating emotionally during arguments now. This isn't a fault; it’s a strategy you honed to survive your childhood. Breaking the Cycle of Familial Influence Recognizing that we often repeat patterns established in childhood is a significant first step to improving our emotional health. Intergenerational trauma is a real concern—untangling these knots requires thoughtful reflection and a commitment to changing how we perceive our past. Through self-awareness, we empower ourselves to halt negative patterns from being passed down to future generations. One effective way to start is through journaling. Dive deep into your emotional blueprint to uncover hidden patterns. What unconsciously influences your reactions? Learning to Reparent Yourself Every time you encounter a significant trigger, ask yourself, "Which part of my past am I responding to right now?" Take a moment to pause, recognize your inner child’s emotions, and respond with care. This practice not only supports healing but facilitates a healthier emotional dialogue within yourself. Strategies for Emotional Sovereignty Adopting emotional sovereignty is a journey of self-cultivation. Here are some key steps to guide you: Identify Your Emotional Rules: Reflect on the unspoken rules around emotions that were present in your family. What was deemed acceptable or unacceptable? Understanding these can illuminate why you react as you do. Practice Differentiation: Build the ability to separate your emotional responses from those of your family. This can help you maintain your own emotional integrity amidst external stressors. Reparenting Yourself: Learn to comfort and validate your feelings by acknowledging your inner child. This practice helps to nurture emotional resilience and shifts the narrative you’ve held about your worth. Finding Emotional Safety Ultimately, emotional safety depends on mutual respect, trust, and the belief that your feelings matter. Building this safety in your relationships, be they romantic or platonic, can transform how you love and communicate. Remember, healing is a process—don’t rush your journey. Take baby steps towards understanding how your past influences present-day emotions, and cultivate space for growth. Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Emotional Journey As you navigate the often-turbulent waters of your emotions, remember that you hold the power to reshape your story. By acknowledging the influence of your family of origin and taking actionable steps towards healing and recognition, you can regain control over your emotional destiny. Commit to the journey of self-discovery, and take that essential first step towards emotional freedom.

02.14.2026

Discover the Three Key Ingredients for a Memorable Valentine's Date

Update Unlocking the Secret to a Memorable Valentine's Date Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity for couples, and with the right ingredients, it can be a day filled with love and connection. For military families balancing the complexities of duty and home life, creating that special moment may feel particularly weighty. Yet, as Dr. Cheryl Fraser explains, crafting the perfect Valentine’s date is a recipe that can be simplified into three essential components: intimacy, thrill, and sensuality. Ingredient One: Intimacy – Rekindling Connection Intimacy is more than mere physical closeness; it involves deep, meaningful conversations reminiscent of the early days of romance. Couples often become bogged down by daily life, focusing on mundane topics like bills or chores—topics that, while necessary, do not reignite passion or appreciation. As you prepare for this Valentine's, aim to steer away from discussing logistics and instead explore the emotional depths of your relationship. Reconnect by sharing dreams, reminiscing about beautiful memories, and making plans for the future. Questions about what you loved about each other when you first met or the adventures you hope to tackle next can spark that essential intimacy and appreciation. This acts as a sturdy base for nourishing your love during periods of distance or deployment. Ingredient Two: Thrill – Reviving the Excitement The second ingredient, thrill, is crucial for keeping the spark alive in long-term relationships. It's common for couples to fall into routines that may hamper excitement. Create thrill by brainstorming activities you haven't done together before—perhaps an at-home cooking class or a themed movie night with accents and attire. Your goal is to relive those early days filled with fascination and eagerness just to be together. Finding new ways to engage can help break any stagnation in the relationship and encourage playful banter, laughter, and excitement. Remember, even during challenging times, a good dose of imagination can yield unexpected joy. Ingredient Three: Sensuality – Prioritizing Connection Sensuality is the commitment to keep your intimate life vibrant and alive. Dr. Fraser notes that many couples start from a place of sexual neutrality, which makes it vital to intentionally include this aspect in your connection. This Valentine’s, don’t leave intimacy to chance—plan for it. Schedule time to explore each other’s desires; think of it as preparing your 'chocolate cake' for your romantic date. Planning for physical intimacy not only shows commitment to one another but is also an act of love that bolsters your emotional connection, which is especially significant in military families where time apart can make these moments more valuable. If you find yourself wanting to move beyond the Valentine’s cliché, embrace these key ingredients. With a sprinkle of creativity, this special day can transform from a source of stress into a celebration of your unique bond. Let's nurture those connections that support us during the tough days and celebrate with flair on this romantic occasion.

02.15.2026

Unlocking Romance: Crafting the Perfect Valentine’s Date with Three Key Ingredients

Update Discovering the Foundations of a Memorable Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day can often stir up a mix of emotions—excited anticipation for some and mild dread for others. However, it doesn't have to be a source of stress. What if you could create a romantic atmosphere filled with passion instead of pressure? This article explores three key ingredients that can turn your Valentine’s celebration from mundane to magical: intimacy, thrill, and sensuality. Intimacy: The Heart of Connection Intimacy is all about deepening your connection with your partner. Instead of discussing bills or chores on Valentine's Day, redirect the conversation to fond memories and future aspirations. Talk about what made you fall in love, relive special moments like your first date or shared adventures. Focusing on the present can rejuvenate your relationship, bringing warmth and closeness, ultimately making your time together more meaningful. Thrill: Reignite the Passion Remember those butterflies in your stomach from your early days of dating? While it might feel challenging to recreate that thrill, stepping out of your routine can work wonders. Consider trying a new activity together, whether it’s cooking a daring new dish at home or playing an adventurous game that sparks joy and laughter. Using your imagination is key; even simple changes can kindle excitement and remind you both of the zest you once shared. Sensuality: Adding Flavor to the Experience Sensuality isn’t just about physical attraction; it encompasses emotional warmth and intimacy. Engage all the senses during your date—think about incorporating little touches like holding hands, romantic music, or delicious treats such as chocolate. These elements can create an inviting atmosphere where love can flourish naturally. To experience a fulfilling Valentine’s Day, remember the three key ingredients: nurture intimacy, create thrills, and authentically embrace sensuality. With a sprinkle of creativity, you can transform your evening into an enchanting experience that renews your love and connection.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*