Warning Signs
Being able to tune in, identify the physiological signs that show you that you're experiencing stress, and then working to relieve them will help strengthen your relationship instead of weaken or strain it. Regardless of the way you react to stress, what's important is to identify the root of the stress. Often, we displace, like yelling at our spouse when it's our boss we want to tell off. Over time, this can wear your partner and yourself out and before you know it, neither of you are happy.
So, when you find yourself stressing, take a time-out; give yourself time to do the work of digging deep and figuring out where and when the stress began. If work is overwhelming you, write down or discuss with your partner or boss some ways to get yourself some help. If the source of your stress is your finances or anything personal, schedule a time to sit down with your spouse and discuss the problem and work together on finding a solution. Lean on your partner when things are difficult and allow them to help you manage, instead of making them the enemy and wrecking havoc on your marriage.
