A Time To Talk Counselling - Relationships and the Credit Crunch

Relationships and the Credit Crunch

Relationship Therapists are warning people to be on their guard during the recession as many may be at risk to the dangers of so-called ‘recession sex’. According to a number of counsellors, sex experts and anthropologists, 2009 could be the year of the extra marital affair.

Annette Moore, Counsellor at A Time To Talk Counselling and Life Coaching in Swindon says, ‘When you find yourself struggling to meet mortgage payments, luxuries such as meals out and other forms of couple socialising often get put on hold. Add this lack of quality time together as a couple, to the extra pressures of redundancy threats, cost cutting at work and general financial strains, many couples can be left feeling distant and blaming or resenting each other. You may yearn for fun, release and pleasure – at any cost.’

Men can feel overwhelmed, but instead of turning to their partners for support they may retreat and shut down. This can leave their partner feeling isolated and confused – unable to gain comfort from their husband they may look for a connection elsewhere.

The emotional turmoil of an affair can be a welcome distraction from the everyday worries. When future plans are put on hold as savings become wiped out, living for the moment can feel a natural response.

During the last recession of 1990-94 divorce rates rose sharply from 153,386 to 165,018. Tina Griffiths, Counsellor from A Time To Talk Counselling and Life Coaching advises couples to keep the lines of communication open. ‘Keep talking to each other and be aware if you’re being emotionally drawn towards someone else, this can be a major danger sign. Make time for each other-a walk in the park or a picnic don’t have to cost you money and can give you the opportunity to share how you are feeling without the pressure of a “We need to talk” conversation which can cause some people to withdraw even further. Try to keep touch a priority – cuddles and hugs go a long way towards keeping that emotional connection alive. Try to see any financial difficulties as a shared problem rather than the sole responsibility of one partner. Remind yourself of the things that attracted you to your partner in the first place. Try to have fun together. Arrange spontaneous lunchtime meetings in the local coffee bar or even the park – anything that helps you both to reconnect but doesn’t cost too much money.’

There are many factors that can be at play when one partner embarks on an affair – take time to stop and think – is it what you really want, or would investing that same amount of time and energy in your partner reap much better rewards?

Contact us at A Time to Talk Counselling and Life Coaching Swindon on 07722 023950 or email: enquiries@attt.co.uk for more information