Home is a sanctuary from work stress, right? Not always. Even if you are able to leave your projects and worries at the office, your spouse may have difficulty doing so — and that stress can rub off on you. How can you help your partner cope? What’s the best thing to say when your partner starts complaining — and what should you not say? Is there a way to help them see things differently? And how can you set boundaries so that home can be a haven again?
How to Help Your Spouse Cope with Work Stress
Even if you’re able to leave your projects and worries at the office, your spouse or partner may have difficulty doing so — and that stress can rub off on you. How can you help your partner cope? For starters, you need to listen. Show engagement and empathize. Figure out what they need from you. Sometimes they may just want to vent; other times they may need your advice. If you’re unsure of your role, ask, “Do you need my help? Or do you just want to be heard?” Play career coach — but do so judiciously. If you get a sense that your partner is misreading a situation at the office or is stuck in a rut, ask questions to broaden their perspective. Whatever you do, never compare your spouse’s stressful day to your own. Stress endurance is not a competition.