When the Honeymoon Phase Ends: Narrative Perspectives on Reintegration Following Military Deployment

Being the partner of a military member comes with a unique set of challenges often not faced by civilian couples. Research within the interpersonal communication discipline is expanding to include military couples, particularly the effects of deployment on romantic military relationships. However, current research remains scant from a postmodern interpretive, narrative lens. This study seeks to illuminate a postmodern inquiry method for exploring romantic military relationships—seeking to move away from general, statistical knowledge of the military spouse community; increase understanding of the post-deployment process upon the conclusion of a deployment; and provide a potential resource for current and future military partners.