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How to Support Your Partner Through Difficult Times

The real world's difficult occasions affect everyone, and when those moments are your partner's moments, you find yourself searching for answers. The challenges are genuine, and the impact of such is felt not only by the partner.

Seeing a loved one suffer, whether physically or emotionally, is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. You may even feel as though you are redundant or annoyed, or you may even develop a form of resentment; this is a ride of emotions that no one ever warns you about.

How to Support Your Partner Through Difficult Times

In this blog post, we'll explore practical techniques that can be used to manage the situations that arise within the turbulent environment. Whether your partner struggles with it at work, home, or anything else, you'll learn how to be that support without becoming consumed.

4 Practical Ways to Support Your Partner

Here are some practical tips that can significantly help in the process. They may look mundane, but we assure you they are not. They go a long way in supporting your partner through some of the most challenging times.

1. Listen Actively

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be honestly heard? That is why active listening is such a valuable practice. If you want to be more seductive, don't speak while your partner speaks; switch off your phone and listen.

These are the general rules of thumb to follow when giving advice or working with people: Do not rush. At some point, all anyone wants to do is talk and get it off their chest.

This behaviour means you should look into the eyes and remove any interference.

One should use phrases like, 'I hear you,' 'That must be hard for you,' or even 'I understand.'

Questions should be asked just for clarification, not for suggestions

Paraphrase what they are saying to indicate that you are listening.

2. Offer Help, Not Solutions

Are you in a situation where someone comes to us with their issues, and we switch to a problem-solving mode? But here's the thing: your partner most likely only expects you to solve some things. They want to feel that they have people backing and believing in them.

Rather than using words like 'You should do this,' it is better to say, 'What can I do to assist?' They may require you to run errands, buy food, or care for the children for a while.

Use "What help do you require from me at this moment?"

Offer specific help: This is how he ended up asking, "Do you mind if I make a meal to cook tonight?"

It is okay for them to say no –sometimes, just saying that you want to take them out or make something for them is enough.

Continue with what you promise to do.

3. Be Patient and Understanding

Healing isn't a race. Your partner might have good phrases and wrong phrases. They can appear to be okay at one point and dysfunctional the next. That's normal. Your role is not to hurry them through it but to be with them.

How to Support Your Partner Through Difficult Times

Do not say things like; you should be over this by now or cheer up; instead, tell them it's normal not to feel normal. State like, "I will not leave you; I will be by your side until this process is complete.

Could you not encourage them to snap out of it?

Understand that it is expected to make leaps and bounds forward and then have to step backwards a little

It's okay to enjoy the good times without dampening the reality of current challenges.

Similarly, only remain consistent in your support even if things are not improving.

4. Provide Emotional and Physical Comfort

Sometimes, words aren't enough. A good squeeze, hand-holding, or staying close can still say a lot. It's about creating a comfortable environment for the partner to lower the defences.

This is where touch is often underestimated and needs to be given the importance it deserves. A tap on the shoulder or brushing past with a peck on the cheek is more effective than any word could ever be. But always understand when to back off; some days, they do not want to be touched.

It is perfectly acceptable to bring hugs or hand-holding but ask first.

Make them a comfortable environment, perhaps with a blanket or their favourite tea.

It also doesn't matter whether one is speaking to the other; the important thing is that they are together in the same room.

Use appropriate touches to encourage a tap on the shoulder or the back.

Time to Step Up: Your Partner Needs You!

As you know, please choose one of the tips and apply it today. Consider beginning with a soulful conversation where you pay attention to what is upsetting your spouse. Or shock them by doing that unpleasant task they have been neglecting to do.

This is not about being perfect. It's about presence and passion, two of the simplest yet most profound concepts that can and should define any organization. We promise your relationship will be strengthened if you get into the habit of doing this.

So come on, if things are terrible, have you considered couples therapy as a way out? It is not surrendering but preserving the partnership you both have built. Stand by each other. Well, is that what love is all about, in its simplest form?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know when to give space vs. when to step in?

Ans. Trust your gut. If they are self-quarantining/ social distancing, kindly inquire. But if they ask for space, give it to them. Balance is key.

Q. What if I say the wrong thing?

Ans. It happens. Take responsibility, apologize, and inquire how it can be done right. It is better not to speak than to use well-selected phrases and words in a discussion; your effort to understand counts more.

Q. How can I support them without neglecting myself?

Ans. Set boundaries. Schedule self-care time. Remember that you cannot give what you do not have; you have to fill yourself out to be able to fill others. Looking after yourself enables you to look after them.

Q. What if their struggle is affecting our relationship?

Ans. This means that one should not hide one's emotions, but it is essential to express them with kindness. It is suggested that couples therapy be tried to get through this challenging period hand in hand.

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