The news are tough to swallow for many Americans. Inflation is higher than in the last 40 years, and it’s creating many challenges. Couples are finding that they have to choose much more carefully how to spend their hard earned income, and of course, that their income is not keeping up with the financial demands that life presents currently.
This, unfortunately, results in higher stress, lower marital and life satisfaction, worry, and marital conflict. Partners that don’t have the skills to manage conflict constructively are therefore at higher risk of divorce as conflicts go unresolved, and the level of conflict continues to escalate to the point where they see divorce as the only solution. Most couples divorce because they want to stop the emotional pain they are experiencing, but unfortunately after the fact they find themselves dealing with a new reality and a new set of problems they did not have before.
If you are in that difficult position, I’d encourage you to consider other options for coping with the financial and relational distress you may be experiencing. You and your spouse can go against the grain to lower the stress by caring for each other, by talking to each other as friends and allies, by being more affectionate, by being supportive, and by encouraging each other. As you can see, these healthy behaviors don’t cost any money, and the benefits can be huge. Going through a difficult time as a united front will create a deep emotional bond between the two of you, and will deepen your relationship into greater commitment and emotional intimacy. I encourage you to try it. You may not have money, but you have each other. Invest in your marriage and you will be glad you did. And of course, remember that marriage counseling is also a great option during these difficult times