Relationship Stress

The result can be stress when someone simultaneously feels as if "I must" and yet, "I can't". Thus, they feel they must do something of which they either lack the will or resources to accomplish.

Relationships that are intimate, such as that between husband and wife, inherently come with many potential problems. Every person has a slightly different lifestyle, value system, and preferred pace and approach to life. A lot of men tend to be on the stoic side, which does not necessarily mean they're repressed. Some people are totally impervious to life's difficulties, while others deal with them directly.

It is always tough to adjust to the needs and desires of another person you're living with, whatever your feelings toward him/her. Relationship stress can occur if either or both parties are obstinate, unfair, or unreasonable.

Sometimes, the only solution is to break apart. If you wish to avoid this fate, however, there are several strategies for reducing and/or avoiding conflicts that do not lead to chronic relationship stress.

The phrase "acute stress" can be misleading. Such stress, though occasionally serious, exists only briefly. In close relationships it is natural that such episodes, be they minor or major, will occasionally occur. Relationship stress can come from many sources--health problems, fights with other family members, money... the possibilities are endless.

Acute stress is typically not very dangerous, however. Once the situation fades or a solution is found, life returns back to normal. Chronic relationship stress can result when a series of problems occur in which individuals don't believe they have what it takes to solve them.

The way out is simple, although that doesn't mean it'll be easy. It's actually extremely rare to find ourselves in completely unsolvable situations. Some people have no potential resources to resolve them.

There is no single event when rearing children that is all-determining--with a few exceptions. Many husbands and wives have made it through financial problems and come out with stronger marriages than before. The majority of health issues are not permanent. If life was always easy to cope with, insurance companies would go bankrupt.