Everyday in our offices our counsellors witness the huge impact of the current economic problems on marriages and relationships.  For families affected by unemployment the financial hardship involved creates enormous tension and stress in the couple relationship. Even where people still have our jobs, the element of uncertainty about the future has an impact on the marriage. Couples often disagree on practical financial decisions and there can be a great deal of tension and conflict arising that has a real impact on the relationship. Equally, problems in the relationship can have a real impact on family financial well-being. Indeed the main source of poverty and financial hardship for adults and children is the financial problems that often accomplish the breakdown of marriages and relationships.

Financial stress impacts relationships in a variety of ways. When we worry we become stressed and our tolerance levels are lowered. We then have a tendency to become more irritable or perhaps withdrawn as we try to cope and figure out the best way forward. Unfortunately irritability or withdrawal are damaging to a relationship and right when a couple need the support of each other most their marriage or relationship can be characterised by tension and strife.

It is during these times when we are faced with the unknown that it is especially important that couples work as a team, bringing their own resources and skills to help them during difficult times.

At Relationships Ireland, we encourage couples to share their concerns with each other in a non-defensive way. Couples often say that having a third party who is impartial makes it a lot easier to focus on how they can work together to get through difficult times than trying to do so on their own.