THE Couple Connection finds out how the people on the street are coping with the effects of the Credit Crunch on the quality of their relationships with their partners.
As money becomes one of the main causes of arguments in couples relationships today, finding resolutions – whilst staying connected with your partner – may become harder, and you may feel like there is no where to turn to for help.
The CoupleConnection.net, an online service which provides relationship advice and support for couples, offers hints and tips on how to cope with the effects of the credit crunch through their easy, three-step approach ‘Check it Out’, ‘Talk it Out’ and ‘Work it Out’, based on five stages (exploring, understanding, making plans, making changes and reviewing) that can help to improve relationships and help build personalised plans for the future.
Here’s how the credit crunch has affected some of the people who have used the Couple Connection’s resources for advice and support:
Joe is a 33 year-old male who was made redundant this year… Joe had a job as a plumber for a local company where he had worked for the last eight years. He always thought that his position was secure but, due to the Credit Crunch, his boss was left with a number of large outstanding bills and took the decision to close the business.
Joe has been looking for new employment since being made redundant eight months ago, but to no avail. This has put immense pressure on his relationship as he was hoping to ask his girlfriend of five years to marry him they have been talking about it for some time now. Joe now feels that the time is not right as he will not be able to finance the wedding but his girlfriend has her heart set on it. Joe has used the arguing checklist to try to make sure that their arguments are more productive. They are using the Couple Connection advice to work out a plan for their future together.
Louise is a 28 year-old woman with a five month-old baby… Louise and her partner made the conscious decision to try for a baby about 18 months ago. They decided that if they were going to wait for a time when they felt financially secure they may not ever decide to have children. They saved as much as they could whilst Louise was pregnant but she admits that they have to be very careful with what they spend as she only receives statutory maternity pay. There have been times over the last few months when money has caused Louise and her partner to argue when previously they would not have done so. Louise says: “We have always had a very solid relationship. It is very tricky for us at the moment we are new parents which is very exciting but at the same time our relationship is suffering. We knew things would change with the baby but money is the issue at the moment. We try to sit down and talk about our problems but it is not always easy and usually ends up in a row. I never knew there were places like the Couple Connection which can help you. I’ve found it really useful especially the Better Way to Argue feature.”
Michelle is a 45 year-old mother of four… Michelle is a mother of four kids ranging in age between nine and 17 years. She has been with her partner for the last 11 years. Ever since the children were small, she has always worked and at the moment works part time as a shop assistant. Her income was, in the past, used to top up her partner’s by paying for school uniform, school trips, saving for family holidays and paying for Christmas presents. Michelle has found recently that she and her partner have been arguing more and more about money. Before the Credit Crunch, Michelle would give the children extra money for going out at the weekend with their friends, now both incomes are used for day to day living instead. This is causing the children to question why they have suddenly been told that they can’t do their usual activities. As any other parent would, Michelle tries to find a way round it but, this often causes her to argue with her partner who says the children, especially the older ones, should understand and she should tell them that no. Michelle and her partner are using the What About the Kids advice to make sure that that they manage the fallout of their arguments in the best way possible.
Says a spokesperson: “Contrary to popular belief, arguments, as a form of communication do not have to be destructive. Disagreements within relationships are inevitable; after all as individuals we all have different views. These different opinions may contribute to some of the reasons you were attracted to your partner in the first place. Instead of feeling like your relationship is not working why not try using the Couple Connection How to Argue guide to turn it into positive communication. Most importantly, remember there is help available for you and your partner to get your relationship back on the road to a better life together.”
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Contact: Emma Pilcher
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Email: pr@4psmarketing.com
Website: http://thecoupleconnection.net/articles/tags/recession/
