By Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil
I'm seeing a few positive changes already coming out of the financial crisis our country is facing: people are being forced to learn how to re-connect with their partner, loved ones and family. Hopefully these are skills they will take with them once we emerge on the other side of this economic hardship.
We have to talk about money. Money is often a bone of contention in many relationships and it's not necessarily that this has changed – in fact, monetary discussions may become more intense now that even more is on the line – but sweeping it under the rug is no longer a viable option. We need the right tools in order to do so, but with proper techniques, our financially-focused discussions can be more useful than ever before.
We're learning how to connect. Most career-focused people know how to make money and how to create successes for themselves. If you strip that away, we're learning that family and relationships are important now more than ever.
Additionally, because finances are tight, we're getting creative. We're focusing on the simple things like cooking together and sitting down to eat together, we're tuning in to our partner and families, we're watching a movie at home instead of going out.
We're working as a team. Don't let this financial crisis divide you and your partner, but rather use the discussions you're having, the time you're sharing to solidify your relationship. Look at it as you and your partner (family, etc.) against the financial infidelities of the world!
Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil has been an internationally acclaimed relationship therapist for thirty years. New York magazine named her one of the city’s top therapists and Psychology Today named her one of America’s best therapists. Her most recent book, Financial Infidelity, is available on Amazon.
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