Herriman (ABC4 News) - Swine flu may be top of mind right now but the economy remains a strong second place. Financial stress is the number one cause of divorce and it's pushed many couples to the breaking point this past year, including a couple from Herriman.
"It's a great opportunity for us to learn more about each other, we've been together eleven years but we've never been through this kind of financial stress," Josh Rollins says. For Josh and Jenny Rollins everything was going great. Four children, a home, their own business, and then the economy came crashing down threatening to tear them apart.
"There is a re-evaluation period. I think all couples go through it. When they get so completely stressed out that they forget it's a partnership and that we're on the same team," Jenny Rollins says.
"People are worried about losing their house and jobs, the last thing you want to do is worry about losing their partner." Relationship coach Val Baldwin says there are three strategies that successful couples use to cope during trying times.
First, keep your partner posted on your feelings instead of lashing out in anger. Second, work together to find a positive solution. And lastly, try to avoid excessive worry.
"My challenge to couples out there is to focus on the positive in your life and start a ritual. The last thing you do before bed, before you say I love you, which is important in difficult times. Start a ritual where you share with each other two to three things you are grateful for."
Josh and Jenny decided they were grateful, for each other. And both say instead of tearing them apart, the last year has brought them closer together.
"We don't know what the financial future has in store for us at this point, it's a waiting game to see how it's going to pan out, to see how the market will pan out and you know, if we do have to start all over, I'd much rather start over with him by my side."
Val Baldwin also says no matter your financial situation it's important to find activities that you enjoy doing, and do them. When you are a happy individual, she says, you will make a happier spouse.
