Working from home is an ideal situation for many. And it is, especially for people looking to cut down on their expenses.
However, for couples, especially married ones, remote working poses a different kind of challenge. Having a remote job often causes relationship strain.
Thus, how do you counter it? We’ll be giving a few suggestions for how to avoid a strained marital relationship in this article.
The Sad Truth of Working From Home and Relationships
To give a brief insight, many Filipino remote workers have said that working from home improved their productivity.
Further, the remote work setup has helped them financially by minimizing transportation and unnecessary food expenses.
In a way, having a remote job seems like a perfect solution to most employment problems.
However, if you are on a lockdown (or even if you are not), spending 24 hours a day with your partner can often result in cracks in the relationship.
After all, not everything is rainbows and sunshine. There will be days when you will get into disagreements with your spouse.
So, what should you do?
Ways to Avoid a Strained Marital Relationship
Struggles in any relationship are normal. It’s impossible to be in complete agreement over everything.
Having a work-from-home job might even further highlight that.
Thus, here are some ways you can do to avoid a strained relationship:
Be Open and Honest When Communicating
Whenever spouses experience any type of outside stress, it tends to heighten existing issues.
As such, whenever conflicts arise, communicate with your partner. It is the one way to resolve them. However, remember to do it in a kind and calm manner.
Be sure to always share what you are anxious about, as well as your fears. Don’t keep your troubles to yourself.
The more you do, the more it will affect your health—not just mentally but physically too.
Set aside some time as needed when you can discuss concerns as a couple.
Acknowledge That Each of Us Has Different Coping Mechanisms
In life, we do not react the same way to problems.
For instance, if we are stressed, some of us would like to step away from the situation. Others like to throw themselves into more work.
Whatever our coping mechanism may be, the best way to deal with it is through empathy.
Don’t say that their feelings or reactions toward a particular situation are wrong. Instead, respond (again) with kindness and try to understand their emotions.
Learn to meet your partner halfway (which is why communication is key).
Make Time for Romance
Of course, even though both of you are working from home, your job should not take all your focus.
Make time to connect with your partner outside of their “office hours.”
You can also look up fun activities to try with your spouse to reignite that spark.
Even though you are already married, the relationship does not have to be boring. You can take each opportunity to make your partner feel special every day.
However, Respect Each Other’s Space
Still, there may be times when your partner needs space.
Not everyone enjoys spending all of their waking time with other people. As such, respect your spouse’s need for their personal time and space.
It does not even have to be in the physical sense.
It could be that your loved one likes to spend a few hours alone, enjoying their hobby.
Whatever it is, personal boundaries are just as important as spending time together.
In the End
Conflicts don’t have to mean the end of a relationship. It also does not mean that a relationship is doomed.
After all, there is such a thing as healthy conflicts, which helps you and your partner grow into better people.
The negative effects of remote work can be countered if you and your loved one work together to overcome them.
On that note, perhaps you are looking for a virtual job to spend more time with your spouse and children. Look no further! Remote Staff has a regularly updated job listing where you can surely find a job that suits you.
Remote Staff has been in business for over 15 years now and has given work-from-home opportunities to many Filipino remote workers.
Want to be a part of the team? Register today!
