I Just Want to Fix It: How to Help your Stressed Out Partner
Every person experiences hardships and stress from various sources, such as friendships, employment, health issues, or parenting. These stressors can create feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, confusion, and helplessness, and create physical health issues including breathing issues, inability to sleep, muscle tension, headaches, and so on. When people are struggling, it is perfectly natural to turn to our significant other to find relief and support. However, there are times when reaching out leads to pain or annoyance.
Emotional Connection
Emotional connection is a form of vulnerability and intimacy that couples need to have in order to maintain healthy and secure attachments. It is more than saying “I love you” or having consensual sexual relations with your partner, but it is allowing your partner to see and be present with you in all forms of emotion, including ones that require vulnerability, such as pain, sadness, shame, loneliness, or fear. These emotions can come from our personal triggers, unresolved past experiences, or attachment needs not being met. However, sharing and understanding one’s emotions can be difficult and does not come easily for everyone.
Want To Know the Secret to a Happy Marriage?
Surprisingly, the answer ISN’T a lack of conflict between a couple. Whether it’s about not having enough sex, the dirty laundry, or spending too much money, conflict is inevitable in every marriage. Happiness lies in the “positive affect” a couple has during the conflict. So what does that mean?
The What and Why of Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is a form of therapy that helps couples improve their relationship and work through challenges they may face. It's important to note that the goal of couples therapy is not to keep a couple married or encourage them to get divorced. Instead, it's about providing a safe space for couples to heal wounds, gain insight, and work on their relationship.
“We Need to Work on Communication” - Every Couple Ever
Andrea Martin, CSW write a blog on how to communicate.