Relationships often face challenges. These challenges can bring about feelings of stress and anxiety. In 2015 professional counseling noted that Stress, whether from inside or outside your relationship, is likely to affect the way you think, feel and behave. This invariably impacts on your partner and your relationship.
Are there steps we can take to protect the happiness of our relationship during times of stress?
- Recognize symptoms of stress.
According to John And Grohol (2015) Relationships exposed to high stress for a long amount of time are bound to falter, no matter how well each individual’s relationship skills. During such times, we are more likely to see the relationship as being negative. Therefore without being negative about your relationship try to find what are symptoms that affect your relation to become negative? What kind of stress that you and your partner have?
As an example one or both partners are have Work-related problems, never-ending criticism, Feeling unheard, Disagreements over chores, financial difficulties, drug addicted, family problems, suspiciousness etc.
- Close to your partner.
If you see signs of stress Talk to your partner about what is stressing you out. Don’t be uncertain to ask such things. Ask your partner what’s going on in a kind and concerned way. If you really love him or her they will understand that you are trying to help them to sort things out.
- Listen and acknowledge concerns
If something goes wrong it is easy to put the blame to he/she, rather than making a confrontation we need to acknowledge their concerns with a good heart. We always need someone to listen our concerns when we struggle with a problem. So be a good listener. Tell him/her what you agree with and add your own thoughts to the conversation. So this will help to minimize the stress load and avoid the temptation.
- Be true to you and Take a Time Out.
Both partners can take a break from your partner. It doesn’t have to be a long break. Just take some time to spend with friends or family or any other activity which makes you happy. Talk to them about your problems and see what their suggestions are.
- Don’t make it harder for your self
Both partners can become stress out. This will just make it hard to get trough. When things get puzzling; don’t become stubborn, angry, and teary. This can also lead to a break out. In case we can involve a third party like relationship coach, true friends and family and get the ideas & suggestion. In addition we should be enthusiastic to do whatever it takes to build up those special bonds of love and unity.