Relationships Suffer in a Recession: When Money’s Tight, Can Couples Become Tighter?

Many couples are struggling under the weight of financial woes right now. Some relationships will sink under the pressure but others will weather the economic storm and wind up stronger and better in the long run. How can you make sure your relationship can withstand the stress and strain of the current economy?

1) Find a Silver Lining –

When someone loses a job, it’s tough to find anything positive in the situation. Fear can easily take over and cloud our judgment and color our perceptions and outlook. Financial problems will likely lead to lifestyle changes but they needn’t all be negative ones. Try to view your current situation as a challenge rather than a burden. By doing so, you’ll be better able to see opportunities amid the losses. You may not be able to change your financial situation, but you can change your attitude.

2) You’re On the Same Team –

Money is a notorious relationship-stressor. If you and your partner find you’re arguing more than ever, step back, stop blaming and realize you’re in this together. The recession isn’t your fault nor is it your partner's fault. When you take away the blame, talking about financial issues often becomes easier. This is a good time to work together to come up with creative solutions to your financial problems. In the end, you may find you’ve bonded even closer through your shared efforts at solving this major problem.

3) Rediscover the Beauty of Simplicity –

View this time as an opportunity to get back to basics. How many of us have lost touch with our partner, family and friends because our lives are so busy? With less money to spend on activities, you’ll have more time to reconnect with the people and the things you didn’t have time for before. Instead of going out to eat, pack up a picnic basket and have a date in the park. The simple act of taking a long walk together can be very romantic as can an evening snuggled on the couch watching old movies.

4) Don’t Give Up Dreaming –

When times are tough, many people put their dreams on hold or forget about them completely because they’re either too busy dealing with their immediate problems or they think it’s not the right time to dream. But it’s our dreams that sustain us, especially during difficult times. This is the perfect time to take a look at your dreams and see if you still feel the same way about them. If you do, get creative about making them come true in new ways. You may find your dreams have changed, which is perfectly natural. If that’s the case, find a new dream to pursue. This may be just the time for a change of course, a new plan, and an exciting time of adventure and growth.

We come from a culture of doing and achieving, with less emphasis on slowing down and enjoying the simple things that life offers. The recession gives us an opportunity to go inward, instead of outward, to think about what we’re grateful for and what we appreciate, and just how lucky we are to be alive. Ultimately, everyone wants closeness, companionship, and the opportunity to love and be loved. Interestingly, all of those things are free. That makes this a golden opportunity to cultivate what’s really important.