Helping a Stressed Partner

A stressed partner may not be able to give adequate attention and time to a relationship. He/she may be preoccupied with his /her own problems, work pressures, domestic issues, other concerns, and this may have an ill effect on a relationship.

The stress can cause a change in behavior. The partner may not be able to make out time, spend a happy and relaxing time, may not feel like talking or sharing, may feel like being left alone for a while and so on. This can create a feeling of confusion, anxiety, tension between the partners and can have negative consequences on the relationship.

The stress may not be a permanent feature and may be triggered by a few events, all occurring at the same time. At such times the support and understanding of the other partner will help in reducing conflict, tension and misunderstanding between them.

Do not coax your partner to fulfill your wishes and demands when he/she is stressed out. Give him/her space and time to deal with the issues bothering them. If they are willing to share and discuss it with you, listen to them with empathy and understand their position.

If the partner is not willing to disclose his/her problems and wants to deal with it himself/herself, do not panic and feel that there is no longer trust and faith in the relationship. Do not withdraw from the relationship; just wait patiently for the phase to pass.

Do not complain about the lack of interest and enthusiasm the partner may have during stressed phase. Take the initiative yourself. You may keep your meeting very light and cozy, say by visiting a beach, a theatre, just taking a walk etc, rather than meeting up and discussing problems.

Have patience and be sensitive towards the stressed partner. The stressed partner may cause you frustration, disappointment and hurt at times, but allow the phase to pass.