 How to make your marriage better and stronger in times of economic difficulty. It’s normal for couples to fight about money from time to time; it’s a rare couple that always agrees about everything when it comes to finances and important financial decisions spouses must make together.
In fact, money is one of the biggest sources of stress and fighting for couples and one of the top reasons for couples calling it quits.
In times of economic hardship and instability—such as the current recession in the U.S.—money and financial issues can easily become an even greater source of stress and conflict
However, just because the U.S. economy is in dire straits doesn’t mean your marriage has to be, too. Here’s what you can do now to “recession-proof” your marriage and not only prevent your relationship from self-destructing, but also improve your marriage to make it better and stronger.
Get close
Couples who feel estranged from each other are going to have a much more difficult time coping with the stress of a recession than those who feel close to each other. If you and your spouse are not close and intimate, or even friends with each other, you need to build that foundation first before you try to deal with an economic crisis together. Don’t know how to start? Consider simply spending quality time together and/or taking couples therapy.
Come clean
If you’ve been dealing with your finances separately or keeping secrets or being dishonest with each other about your situation(s), now is the time to come clean. You should first of all discuss budgets, spending habits, debts, savings, and priorities. You can also move on to discussing your hopes and desires as well as your fears related to the recession.
Communicate
Communication is key to keeping your marriage strong and healthy—and even making it stronger and healthier than ever—throughout an economic difficulty. Be honest with each other and share your thoughts and feelings, your fears and concerns, and any ideas you may have to ensure your finances are in good order.
Compromise
In coming up with a plan and figuring out your financial situation and budget over the next while, accept that you’ll both have to compromise and possibly make sacrifices in order to keep your finances as strong as possible in a shaky economy. Learning methods of compromising is a good skill to have anyway, for keeping your marriage healthy.
Get creative
Put your heads together and get creative about your budget, how to spend less and save more, and a plan “B” in worst-case scenarios (e.g., one of you loses your job, your home forecloses, etc.). You can also get creative about how to spend time together without spending extra money—a great way for you to also grow closer as a couple.
Cope together
Couples who cope through hard times, such as a recession, together (instead of alone) often become closer and develop a stronger relationship because they’re working together as a team, fighting a battle, and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
In the end, then, it’s important to remember that instead of letting something external that you can’t control—the current economic crisis, for example—dictate what happens to your relationship, take control of your relationship yourself and use the recession as an opportunity to grow stronger and grow closer together.
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