Here are some suggestions for building healthy relationships while you or a loved one are deployed:

Make a Plan. 
Talk about how to handle housekeeping and financial responsibilities. Discuss family matters and how to navigate them. Make plans to communicate regularly so that you continue to make decisions together. While mail and email may be limited, it is still an option. Commit to doing the best you can using the methods that make you feel the most connected.

Share what’s happening on a day-to-day basis. 
While sadness is a part of deployment, keeping things from one another for fear of making each other sad can exacerbate feelings of disconnection. Share what’s going on in your day-to-day life. There may be some details about deployments that can’t be disclosed, but there’s still much that can be shared about the people around you and what your daily responsibilities are.

Keep a journal. 
This will help you process your feelings, and may be a good source of sharing and relationship-building when you and your loved one get to talk.
Send care packages. These are a great, tangible reminder of what you share, and remind deployed service members that they are not alone. Think of ways to make each package creative and fun.

Stay active in things you enjoy. 
Have outlets and activities to keep you busy while you are apart.

While it’s perfectly normal and understandable to acknowledge that you miss one another, return as often as you can to trust, affirmation, and gratitude. Praying for one another can also be a great encouragement to both your hearts when times get tough.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to cope with the challenges of deployment, TheHopeLine offers confidential support for military families, service members, and veterans. Request a mentor or live chat with us today.