๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐บ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ.
In the midst of our busy lives, stress can creep in and create distance between partners in their relationship. ย
Couples will inevitably experience outside stresses that are out of their control, thatโs part of life, and at times this can lead to further disconnection from each other.ย Things like behaviours will become heightened, conversations may turn nasty, replies might be snappy or maybe there will be an avoidance or sweeping things aside โ all of these are just some coping strategies couples may use as a way to get through external stresses they cannot control.
The only thing partners can control in moments of stress
is how they respond.
In any moment, there is a conscious choice in how each partner chooses to react and respond to something that causes them stress.
Often, external stresses will affect each partner differently.ย What one believes is something important to be concerned with, the other may think itโs really no big deal.ย Either way, this can be stressful in itself.
Ways you and your partner can handle external stresses in a way they supports each other is to:
1.ย Have open conversations.
Lean into the conversation of whatever it is you need to work through. Use mindful words and non-threatening body language to express concerns, thoughts, suggestions so you both feel heard, understood and supported.
2.ย Listen without interrupting.
Listen to each other from a place of compassion and curiosity.ย Use mindful words (without judgmental) to express empathy towards each other
3.ย Ask questions.
Ask questions to find out what your partner needs, do not interrupt them or try to fix them. Express your needs also. Share each otherโs perspective on why these external stresses impact you ย – get to the cause of it.
4.ย Collaborate.
Collaborate together through: talking, listening and comforting without judgement or criticising. This allows you to be there for each other.
5.ย Check-In’s.
Check-in on each other regularly during the day, something like a kind text message or phone call. ย Show genuine interest in how your partner is going.
6.ย Regular Time Out
Make regular time for each other amidst the chaos or unpredictability. Key to riding the wave of stress is keeping consistency and routine, this helps to create a safe space for you both.
7.ย Remember you’re a ‘Couple’
Remember you are a team, you are a couple – you’re not rivals.
Each partner has a choice, itโs up to them how they show up.
Lastly, remember to listen to your own needs as well. Self-care is vital when it comes to managing stress within a relationship. Take time for yourself โ whether it’s engaging in hobbies or practicing mindfulness ย โ so that you can bring a calm presence into the partnership.
By embracing these strategies into your relationship, you can begin to better handle outside stresses so they donโt wedge between you and your partner.
Remember that love conquers all challenges when nurtured with open communication, quality time together, active listening, and self-care.
Need help to explore how to better handle stress so it doesnt’ impact your relationship?
If you are seeking to work through areas in communication, handling heightened emotions with a healthier approach and creating new ways of being there for each other in times of stress and chaos, reach out to work withย Linda Kelly, Relationship Coach.
Linda provides:
‘Couples Mentoring’,
‘Women’s Coaching’
and ‘Men’s Coaching’.
About Linda…
Linda is a compassionate Counsellor, Mentor and Educator in the areas of relationships, love and intimacy. Linda helps Couples and Singles to have loving and heart-based relationships from a foundation of compassion and presence. Having helped people from all walks of life, from diverse backgrounds to various life situations, Linda understands the complexities and challenges that people experience in relationships.
Based within the gorgeous Redcliffe Peninsula region, Brisbane Australia, Linda offers in-person and online Zoom sessions, both Australia-wide and Internationally.
To know more about visit About Linda
