How To Stand By Your Partner Through Crises

Is your partner going through a career crisis? Neeti Jaychander tells you how you can support him emotionally, and emerge stronger from your predicament.

- Neeti Jaychander

When you said ‘I do’, or even committed to a steady relationship, you probably signed up for the nice guy with a steady job, sensible savings and stability. Due to circumstances however, a crisis could rock the boat. Maybe your partner’s company isn’t doing well, he’s unhappy because he’s working too much for too little, or he’s just lost his job. In such a scenario, the most natural reaction is to play the blame game, and make your unhappiness at the new situation clear. But, this isn’t the best way to deal with it. Now, more than ever, your partner needs your emotional and practical support. Here are a few ways to deal with the scenario.

DON’T PANIC

“Chances are, your partner already feels wretched about his circumstances, and doesn’t want to be told what he did wrong,” says psychologist Manjula MK, She adds, “So if you’re panicking, take a deep breath, calm down and imagine how you would feel if you were in that situation.” First, talk to your partner rationally and find out if things can be salvaged; if not, focus on comforting him.