The coronavirus pandemic definitely kills couples and families in South Florida spending a good time together at home. While this can be a great thing, it is not without challenges. How can husbands now stick in the house to avoid each other’s nerves? Jim Perry, from CBS4, spoke to marriage in South Florida and the family therapist Dr. Ayala Wiener to get some answers.
Let’s get to his heart. Simply, how do couples keep each other’s nerves?
A: First of all, thanks for having me. I want to start by saying that relationships are complicated at first. And when you add the components of a crisis, it makes relationships more complicated.
Crisis situations can lead to a rupture of relationships or a stronger bond that people have never had before. In times of crisis, people are really looking for meanings.
So, this is the time when I tell people to try to benefit, to really sit together and try to build a relationship of meanings and presence, family relationships, fear, marriage or values.
I want to talk about this fear factor for just a minute because it is clear that this is a very fearful time for many of us. You know, sometimes people don’t always show the pressure they feel in a clear way. So how do you know the pressure your partner might feel and how can you help him deal with it?
A: So, this depends on people’s coping mechanisms. Some people get stuck, just close and don’t want to talk about it. Others don’t want to stop talking about it, they want to watch news 24-7, which I think is very unhealthy. So I think there should be a balance.
You have to find some time where you can express your fear, express your feelings, share how you deal with your fear, and people interact in different ways. So sit down and share these ideas.
Share those coping mechanisms you have with other family members, then go on to do something that can divert attention from the situation and bring more fun to their relationships.
