To say 2020 has been stressful would be an understatement in most American households. Dealing with illness, financial loss and working from home have proven difficult for many couples. Add to that distance learning and social isolation, and spouses could feel trapped.
Divorce was a common solution over the summer, according to a reported 34% increase over the same time period last year. For couples who tolerated their relationship before being forced to spend much time together, legislated changes in response to a global health crisis may have amplified marital problems. But, is it possible to repair a troubled relationship?
It may be possible to rebuild a happy home life
Life is full of unexpected events, and it’s unlikely that you and your spouse respond to them in the same manner. However, your differences don’t have to divide you.
No matter how stressed your marriage is, or how far apart you and your spouse might seem, you may be able to re-establish the partnership you once had.
Some behaviors you may want to develop are:
- Show your spouse you appreciate them. Since much of a marriage surrounds balancing responsibilities around perfunctory details, couples often get so wrapped up in scheduling that they forget to communicate appreciation for the person with whom they chose to share life. Although a grand gesture may seem inappropriate for your situation, your partner might greatly appreciate something as simple as a thoughtful card or sporadic hug at the end of a long, stressful day.
- Develop additional relationships. When you got married, your spouse may have been the most important person in your life. While it’s good to be close, he or she cannot fulfill all your relationship needs. It’s often healthy to share your interests with other friends, and sometimes focused attention away from your spouse can help you bring your best self home.
- Let things go. You might have a history of focusing on trivial events that ultimately don’t matter, such as your partner’s annoying tendencies. Regardless of how irritating you might find it when your spouse doesn’t push their chair in upon leaving the table, for example, is reminding them how much it bugs you – again – worth your marriage? Imagine what might happen if you chose to edify them instead.
Through trying to approach your marriage differently, perhaps you’ll remember what attracted you to your spouse in the first place.
As with any relationship, either of you could decide to call it quits at any time. But, health crisis or not, you’d probably be wise to be sure you give it your best shot first.
