Special Things You Can Do For Your Spouse During a Difficult Time

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. What you do during difficult times determines whether you’ll come out of it better or bitter. Things could get even tighter when you have a loved one going through a hard time. Below are three special things you can do for your spouse during a difficult time.

1. Check on Them

Everybody needs a shoulder to lean on, especially during challenging times. Supporting a loved one isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a lifestyle that involves being able to intentionally check in on them whenever you notice a behavior change.

Your “intrusion” may or may not be appreciated initially, depending on past similar experiences or personality differences. However, it’s essential to show genuine concern even when you can’t fathom the gravity of the matter. When you notice something is off, perhaps because your spouse is irritable, angry, isolated, feeling down, or not being their usual self, a simple “Are you okay?” can be a good starting point.

However, this only works if your spouse is more forthcoming with their emotions. It’s not a one-card-fits-all, so if your spouse is not forthcoming with their feelings, find ways of reaching out to them. Try to ease the tension and cheer up your spouse. Reach out to them according to their language of love.

For instance, if your wife loves flowers, go out of your way and buy them to reassure her you are in her corner and that whatever she is fighting, you can fight it together as a team. Win them over, show them appreciation, and you don’t have to wait for special occasions. According to BIGresearch, on Mother’s Day, $1.9 billion worth of flowers is purchased. All these attempts should be targeted at getting to know the source of the problem.

2. Create a Conducive Environment for Dialog

Make yourself a safe space for your partner to pour out their hearts and expose their insecurities without fear of victimization. Be a pillar of strength that your spouse can lean on depending on how they react to stress. Find ways of getting them to share their concerns. Listen and pay attention to both their verbal and non-verbal communication. Be sure to stay within your mandate.

Try not to make the problem about you. Be empathetic to your spouse without losing focus and becoming part of the problem. Help them be part of the solution by appealing to their strength. Remind them of their past victories without belittling their current situation. If your partner needs space, let them know it’s okay and assure them you’re available whenever they need you.

The average American spends about 90% of their life indoors, according to the American Lung Association. Create a comfortable, conducive environment in your home for your spouse. Don’t be overly critical. Be sensitive; listen more and measure your words to avoid jeopardizing a delicate situation. Encourage them to speak more, and if it’s beyond your competence, suggest a suitable alternative. One of the best gifts you can give your spouse is your time.

3. Be Supportive

Small, sweet gestures can be the much-needed break your spouse needs as they take care of their mental health. For example, if your spouse is an automobile enthusiast, it’s healthy to grant them some me-time to work on their car as a stress reliever. Such gestures should be highly welcome since they allow one to blow off steam non-destructively.

Allowing your spouse to engage in a DIY project can be pretty therapeutic. They may choose to paint a room or rearrange furniture. The global market for automotive paint is expected to reach $23,244 million by 2027, up from $18,023.8 million in 2021, according to Astute Analytica.

Take care of your mental health before attempting to help someone. Your well-being is critical in helping your spouse through a difficult time. You need to think objectively, even when your spouse sees you as a villain, without getting offended, which is easier said than done.