Even if your spouse is working from home these days, you might be feeling frustrated by how much they “take” their work home with them or the amount of stress and focus they give to their job.
Work stress is common and it does impact relationships. It’s important for a couple to work on creating safe communication so that they can make space for their spouse.
Tips for better interactions at home without feeling slighted
Instead of taking things personally, realize that your spouse is stressed. While you may resent this, as you might have been with the children all day or at your own job, it’s important to give your partner the time they need to decompress and find out what you can do to be helpful.
This might feel counterintuitive, after all, you want him/her to be attentive to you, not vice versa! It’s a necessary precursor though to getting the attention you want and deserve. Once your spouse has the time they need to relax and decompress, the chances of him being able to focus on you is much greater.
Learn how to listen and validate their experience without reacting or giving advice. This is often very helpful in allowing a spouse to vent and articulate the stressors of the day.
Sharing your feelings
Others prefer alone time. If this is impacting you negatively, make a time when your spouse is not stressed to share your experience of their workplace stress and work together to be more sensitive to each other’s needs.
When you’re spending some quiet, connected time with each other, ask if it’s a good time to talk about something that’s been bothering you for a while. Let your partner know that you feel hurt by the way she’s been coming home stressed and that you’d love to help her de-stress so that your together time is more pleasurable.
We can help.
If you need some additional help with communication and sharing more without feeling worried of your partner’s reaction, we’d love to be able to help you feel comfortable being vulnerable so you can truly achieve closeness and true connection. Click on this link to schedule a time to speak with us or fill out the form below.
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