Stress on Marriages and Relationships – This Economy

Today’s New York Times article, Husbands-Wives-Hard-Times,  polled 5 authorities on their opinions about how this difficult economic climate is affecting relationships. Of course the economy takes its toll on relationships as all of the environmental stressors do. But as one of the experts noted, expressing verbal appreciation for one’s partner is especially crucial in these times. A ratio of five positive comments to every negative or neutral comment is one of the main characteristics of happy and thriving relationships. It’s a simple strategy but one that’s often overlooked until a crisis in the relationship surfaces.