On my way back from the local shopping strip I bumped into a neighbor. Always the trend observer, he asked me if I had noticed that recently there were many more marriages compared to divorces listed in the weekly column of the local newspaper. I had not paid attention to that fact. He speculated that it had to do with the tough economic times. It was his theory that people cared more about strengthening their relationships when faced with unsettled times. He also noted that in good times people were much more selfish while in tough times they cared more about having an emotionally connected partner.
I do think that there is something valid to what he was saying. I remember back in the early eighties when Huston, Texas was in financial woes. I had a colleague in the mental health field in Huston who observed that people were availing themselves more of emotional help when times were tougher. They were willing to put time and money into getting help because they wanted to strengthen their relationships.
What a good way to deal with the stress of financial turmoil. To realize that what really matters is relationships and family. Indeed we see a pattern of coming together when outside forces impact individuals. We saw that nationally with 9/11. We see that in people and communities when faced with natural or man made calamities. Currently the stress of financial worries is anxiety producing. Even if they have not been personally affected too much so far most people are anxious about the future. In all likelihood they know of someone who is worried about losing their job or will they be able to keep paying their bills.
What is in each persons control is the ability to strengthening their relationships:
- Stay away from blame and criticism. It will keep you in the past.
- Identify what matters most to you and your loved ones.
- Keep a "we will get through this" attitude.
- Know that by being able to count on each you will find solutions together.
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