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::.My spouse works most weekends; we need to spend more time together...
The typical work week is Monday through Friday--many workers can expect the occasional extra long day during that time. However, when you have a spouse who works all week and on weekends, when do you have time for each other? When you're home sans spouse, weekend after weekend, you may feel abandoned, resentful, and alienated. You're not alone: any marriage will feel strained when one spouse consistently works on the weekends and the other does not. To alleviate further emotional wear and tear, you must communicate.
The Solution
Talk about the situation: Discuss in a safe, non-threatening manner how your spouse might be able to reduce work commitments and spend some more time with you. Ask how your spouse feels about his or her job. Does your spouse feel he/she is working too hard?
Try counseling: "Going for a few counseling sessions with a marriage and family therapist could be extremely helpful," says Kent Kinzley, M.F.C.C. "This way, couples can discuss potential solutions in a non-threatening environment that is mediated by a professional. This takes some of the pressure off the couple." What's more, couples who experience joint counseling often learn techniques to help improve the quality of their personal and professional lives.
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