Doctor Bonnie

By Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil

When things get tough in a relationship, there’s a tendency some people have to want to jump ship. We’re seeing more and more of this now, as the recession is claiming another victim: our relationships. Money can be one of the number one motivating factors in a relationship, and you don’t need me to tell you that stress around this particular subject is at a rarely-seen high right now. We see it in the workplace, in our government, and yes within our families, marriages and other relationships.

The American Psychological Association reports that 80% of people say the economy is causing added stress in their lives. Individual couples and families continue to need a game plan for dealing with the added stress placed on us by the economy. A certain amount of uncertainty is likely unavoidable for most, but it doesn’t have to have a detrimental affect on your relationships. In fact, right now you need the love and support of your partner more than ever, so don’t let money problems get in the way of that. There are a few ways to avoid being a relational victim of the recession: