Relocating can be an exciting time for a couple or family, but it can also bring uncertainty and stress. It's great that you want to check in with your partner. One place you can start is with your communication.
Sometimes we are socialized to not express our emotions and to conform to rigid expectations, particularly tied to our gender. For some this can mean having to be stoic, tough or self-sufficient, and for others this can mean having to shoulder the family’s emotions alone, or feeling like they have to remain calm and appear composed throughout uncertain times. But you do not have to. To be whole, we need to be in touch with our full range of emotions and express them in a healthy and respectful manner.
Letting our walls down and saying things like “I’m nervous about this relocation” or “I’m worried about how this move is impacting myself and my children” is not only bringing honesty to the relationship, but enabling deeper emotional connection, intimacy and trust.
Being able to say what you need and how your partner can support you, and learning how you can do the same for them, is important. This helps build a happy, equitable and healthy relationship where both people feel valued and supported. If you are having difficulty speaking to your partner or if you just want to check in, one way you can try is through healthy communication.
4 steps to healthy communication
- Share with them what you see
- Express how you feel
- Explain what you need
- Ask them to support you
