How To Maintain a Good Relationship When Your Partner Is Unemployed

Ingredients

• Understanding
• A heart-to-heart
• Respect
• Optimism

Steps

1. Cut them some slack - If your spouse is trying to find another job, don’t expect them to start doing all the housework. Looking for a job, especially in a bad economy, can be a full-time job in itself. (20 sec. )
2. But don't be a sap, either - But don’t cut them too much slack, either. If it becomes obvious your loved one is neither looking for a job nor pitching in with the kids or housework, it’s time for a serious discussion. (32 sec. )
3. Discuss expectations - Discuss one another’s expectations, preferably before tempers flare. Come to a mutually acceptable agreement on what housework or child care, if any, the out-of-work partner will assume until they find another job. (43 sec. )
4. Treat your partner like an adult - Don’t subject them to a daily grilling on what they’re doing to find work, or what they did all day while you were out. They are no doubt already feeling inadequate. (58 sec. )
5. Be on the lookout - Be on the lookout for signs of depression, like sleeping too much or not being able to sleep, or over- or undereating. If your partner turns to alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling, or other destructive behaviors, insist they get counseling. (69 sec. )
6. Men are particularly susceptible to depression after a job loss because much of their self-esteem is tied to their work. (86 sec. )
7. Keep up their spirits - Keep assuring them that you have complete faith in their ability to find another job. Most importantly, stay positive yourself. (95 sec. )
8. The American Time-Use Survey shows men tend to do less housework after they lose their job. (111 sec. )