Committed to a non-judgemental approach to helping couples, individuals and families enjoy a more fulfilling life, loving relationships and optimal health and wellbeing.
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people uncertain about their financial future. With widespread job losses and reduced incomes, the economic fallout from the pandemic has left many couples struggling to cope with financial stress.
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Endowment for Financial Education, over a third of Americans say that money is the biggest source of stress in their relationships. This is hardly surprising, given that financial worries can lead to arguments, tension, and even breakups.
One way that the pandemic has impacted marriage relationships is by highlighting existing disparities in financial literacy and money management skills. For couples who were already struggling with financial issues before the pandemic hit, the sudden loss of income and increased financial pressure may have added an extra layer of stress to an already difficult situation.
On the other hand, the pandemic has also forced some couples to re-evaluate their spending habits and priorities. With many restaurants and entertainment options closed, couples may have had to find new ways to have fun and spend time together. This may have led to a greater emphasis on saving money and being more mindful about spending habits.
Overall, the impact of the current financial climate on marriage relationships is complex and multifaceted. While the pandemic has certainly added an extra layer of stress to already-tense situations, it has also created opportunities for couples to work together to navigate difficult financial times. By being open and communicative about their financial concerns, couples can weather the storm together and emerge stronger on the other side.
Well, it seems my winter has taken a lot longer than the calendar would indicate for the changes and reflection that have taken place for me since my last blog entry.
Many changes have transpired in my life, in the lives of those close to me as well as the lives of clients. Some of those changes have been life affirming and some have involved significant loss through unexpected death.
All of those changes leave me with a strong conviction that we never know when our number might be up and it matters to make every day count. Some people have the idea that making every day count means being busy and crossing off every entry on an ongoing to-do list. For me, making every day count means tuning in to myself and assessing what the count might mean for that particular day.
Some days might be filled with appointments which means I need to be on the ball and well organized to meet both the client’s needs and my own for adequate rest and nourishment. Other days may be days at home where I could busy myself with chores or admin stuff, pull out weeds in the garden, or head for the beach with the grand-babies.
Gazing into the bright blue yonder.
Sometimes, just doing nothing is what the body and mind needs for making the best of the day. Life can become a bit hectic and overwhelming and when it does, making the most of the day might be just sitting on the couch or out in the sun and dozing. Vitamin D from natural sunlight is one of THE best pick-me-ups that costs nothing and is only dependent on the weather and your capacity to take time out to enjoy!
About the author:
Christine Bennett is a private practitioner committed to a non-judgemental approach of helping couples, individuals and families enjoy more fulfilling, loving relationships with themselves and others. Christine also helps separated couples reach agreements for parenting plans, financial settlements and bullying disputes.
Welcome to today’s blog post about lifestyle and love. Lifestyle and love can often be incompatible and lead to a couple separating or conducting a long distance relationship.
There have been enough instances of couples in my counselling room now to talk about how lifestyle preference can get in the way of a couple continuing their relationship together. It is a big enough issue that couples and families have been separated as a result of irreconcilable differences in their way of life.
This is particularly relevant to couples and families moving to Sydney from another country. Often one member of the family is given a promotion or opportunity to work in Australia and they truly believe it, at the time, to be the opportunity of a lifetime.The decision is usually made in consultation with the partner and children and there seems to be agreement that this is will be a fantastic opportunity to live in a different part of the world.
In other cases, individuals who have traveled from other parts of the world to holiday in Australia meet one another and fall in love. They are here on holiday and then decide to make a life here together. This is fine and means permanent residency visas become an issue. Often one party is already sponsored by their employer and it is just a matter of time for residency issues to be sorted. This can take some time with all the formalities involved.
During this long period, if one party finds that living in Australia is not all they had hoped for, things can become tricky. Where is home going to be for the couple? One such couple made the decision to separate when the newly married woman was unable to settle here. She missed her home country, family, friends and lifestyle so much that she decided to return, leaving her new husband behind.
In another situation, an already troubled marriage was under greater pressure with a move to Sydney from the other side of the world. The stress of moving to a completely different climate, lifestyle, hemisphere and so on can be too much. When there is already stress overload on a marriage moving to the other side of the world or deciding to have a baby could be the tipping point of the relationship.
So, is there a way to avoid this happening in your relationship?
Here are ten ideas to consider. Maybe you can think of others to share?
Be really honest with your partner if a situation arises that involves significant change such as moving to the other side of the world. To agree to anything to please your partner while ignoring your own feelings can lead to big trouble later on.
Investigate what the change will involve. Do plenty of research.
What support systems can you imagine putting in place to avoid feelings of isolation, entrapment and overwhelm?
What are the consequences if the change doesn’t work?
What contingency plans can be put in place?
Is there an agreement on a time limit to give the change a real chance to work before bailing out?
Is every family member in agreement? Have you entered into negotiation for a win/win outcome?
How do you manage family relations from the other side of the world with those left behind?
Is the change affordable in terms of time, financial considerations, career advancement and social/family connections?
What sacrifices will you be making and are you making them willingly without resentment?
Do you have any stories to share about lifestyle choices and the impact on relationship? Please share your thoughts and be part of the Caring4Couples community!
