When we’re alone and life is hard, we often think to ourselves that life would be so much better if we could share our troubles with a loved one.
1. ... Financial stress is one of the leading causes for break-ups in this country...
As people, we need to connect with one another and it’s the bonds that we form that make us so special. However, we are also prone to the unavoidable hypocrisies of our nature—we like to be emotional and over-romanticize about love being the solution to all problems—so when we finally are in a relationship, we disappoint ourselves and revert back to our usual lifestyle.
So many American couples are breaking up because they think that when their passions level off and they no longer fall over each other’s heads like they did in the beginning, their relationship must have a problem. In a struggling economy, this problem is exacerbated. When we were single, oh, how we dreamed that love will dissipate our problems and our stress!
How much easier it would be to handle debt or unemployment if only we have someone to hold onto at night! Obviously, we have over- exaggerated. Financial stress is one of the leading causes for break-ups in this country.
2. ... We can use love to counter the stress, anxiety and depression of these tough times...
Yet, when times are hard, we cannot also be hard on our lovers. Instead, tell yourself that tough times demand true love.
When we’re threatened economically, and financial stress is pushing down our lives, it is important to remember that our relationships should be a source of warmth and comfort. They should uplift our lives.
Often times, we unintentionally let out our frustrations on our families, which can lead not only to arguments, but even break-up or divorce. Relationships are not there to take the brunt of our frustrations and anger with the world around us. We can use love to counter the stress, anxiety and depression of these tough times.
3. ... Over 77% of American women were dissatisfied with their sexual lives ...
In my recent Internet women’s survey of over 1000 women, over 77% of American women were dissatisfied with their sexual lives . This is the largest study of this kind ever conducted and shows that more people are dissatisfied with their intimate relations before than at any point in history.
This study is a sign of the times—we’re taking our stress out on our relationships, when they should instead be our salvation. We have to be careful not to internalize the problems of the outer world and bring them into the sanctuary of our inner relationship. It is understandably difficult for people to forget about stress, but it is crucial to put our problems aside.
Couples should reserve at least two nights of the week for just each other. Turn off the television, step away from the computer, create a wall around your worries and reconnect with your relationship. Simple breaks like this can greatly reduce our stress and help keep our love life from going astray. If you create a situation where love is nourishing and supportive, financial worries won’t stand a chance.
These tough times represent a confusing and hard climate for relationships. But, by gaining strength and love from your partner, you will be strengthened to better handle anything that the world may throw at you. People need to realize that while love is not a fantasy, it can nevertheless lead to some of the most wonderful things that life can offer: Warmth, comfort, confidence, happiness, joy, laughter, and pleasure.