Summary
- Discuss the wants and needs of transition time.
- Plan a regular time to talk about other issues that are impacting your relationship.
Transitioning from work to home
One of the hardest times for couples is when they return home from work. This is true if your work takes you away for the day, for different shifts, or for days or weeks at a time. One or both of you may be busy with the work left behind or may be tired, hungry, or emotionally drained. This is the time for reconnecting after being in different worlds and spending that time apart.
What usually happens at this time? It is the perfect time for misunderstandings, temper flare-ups, dumping on our partner, or tuning the other person out completely. It is a time of transition for everyone.
Understanding unique needs and rhythms
Each person has his or her own needs and also different rhythms. This transition occurs whether the work is done outside of the home or in the home. It also occurs if the job calls for traveling away from home, either for short trips or extended time away.
If your job requires that you deal with people all day, you may be ready for a little quiet time. On the other hand, if you have been working at home or caring for children, you may be eager to have some conversation. If you have been gone from home for a few days or for a few months, there is still a re-entry time. Each spouse or partner will have different needs and different expectations.
Talk it through
What can be done to improve this time? The first thing is to talk about it with each other. Find a quiet time either after children are in bed or when you both are relaxed on the weekend to talk about the wants and needs of this transition time. Some things to keep in mind are:
- How much do we share about our jobs and the issues there?
- Is there a need for re-entry time?
- How do we greet and acknowledge each other after being absent?
- Are there other times of the day when we can connect?
- What are the job expectations regarding your time?
- How do we let each other know our mental state upon arrival?
- How do we deal with other demands, such as children or pets?
- If it is around mealtime, how do we handle the food preparation?
Each couple’s situation and needs will be unique to them. The main thing is to talk and decide on changes that may be desirable. After carrying out these changes, set a time period to measure what is working and what may need improving.
Now that you have taken this time to talk about the transition time, plan a routine time or date to talk about other issues that are affecting your relationship.
Summary
- Discuss the wants and needs of transition time.
- Plan a regular time to talk about other issues that are impacting your relationship.
Transitioning from work to home
One of the hardest times for couples is when they return home from work. This is true if your work takes you away for the day, for different shifts, or for days or weeks at a time. One or both of you may be busy with the work left behind or may be tired, hungry, or emotionally drained. This is the time for reconnecting after being in different worlds and spending that time apart.
What usually happens at this time? It is the perfect time for misunderstandings, temper flare-ups, dumping on our partner, or tuning the other person out completely. It is a time of transition for everyone.
Understanding unique needs and rhythms
Each person has his or her own needs and also different rhythms. This transition occurs whether the work is done outside of the home or in the home. It also occurs if the job calls for traveling away from home, either for short trips or extended time away.
If your job requires that you deal with people all day, you may be ready for a little quiet time. On the other hand, if you have been working at home or caring for children, you may be eager to have some conversation. If you have been gone from home for a few days or for a few months, there is still a re-entry time. Each spouse or partner will have different needs and different expectations.
Talk it through
What can be done to improve this time? The first thing is to talk about it with each other. Find a quiet time either after children are in bed or when you both are relaxed on the weekend to talk about the wants and needs of this transition time. Some things to keep in mind are:
- How much do we share about our jobs and the issues there?
- Is there a need for re-entry time?
- How do we greet and acknowledge each other after being absent?
- Are there other times of the day when we can connect?
- What are the job expectations regarding your time?
- How do we let each other know our mental state upon arrival?
- How do we deal with other demands, such as children or pets?
- If it is around mealtime, how do we handle the food preparation?
Each couple’s situation and needs will be unique to them. The main thing is to talk and decide on changes that may be desirable. After carrying out these changes, set a time period to measure what is working and what may need improving.
Now that you have taken this time to talk about the transition time, plan a routine time or date to talk about other issues that are affecting your relationship.
Summary
- Discuss the wants and needs of transition time.
- Plan a regular time to talk about other issues that are impacting your relationship.
Transitioning from work to home
One of the hardest times for couples is when they return home from work. This is true if your work takes you away for the day, for different shifts, or for days or weeks at a time. One or both of you may be busy with the work left behind or may be tired, hungry, or emotionally drained. This is the time for reconnecting after being in different worlds and spending that time apart.
What usually happens at this time? It is the perfect time for misunderstandings, temper flare-ups, dumping on our partner, or tuning the other person out completely. It is a time of transition for everyone.
Understanding unique needs and rhythms
Each person has his or her own needs and also different rhythms. This transition occurs whether the work is done outside of the home or in the home. It also occurs if the job calls for traveling away from home, either for short trips or extended time away.
If your job requires that you deal with people all day, you may be ready for a little quiet time. On the other hand, if you have been working at home or caring for children, you may be eager to have some conversation. If you have been gone from home for a few days or for a few months, there is still a re-entry time. Each spouse or partner will have different needs and different expectations.
Talk it through
What can be done to improve this time? The first thing is to talk about it with each other. Find a quiet time either after children are in bed or when you both are relaxed on the weekend to talk about the wants and needs of this transition time. Some things to keep in mind are:
- How much do we share about our jobs and the issues there?
- Is there a need for re-entry time?
- How do we greet and acknowledge each other after being absent?
- Are there other times of the day when we can connect?
- What are the job expectations regarding your time?
- How do we let each other know our mental state upon arrival?
- How do we deal with other demands, such as children or pets?
- If it is around mealtime, how do we handle the food preparation?
Each couple’s situation and needs will be unique to them. The main thing is to talk and decide on changes that may be desirable. After carrying out these changes, set a time period to measure what is working and what may need improving.
Now that you have taken this time to talk about the transition time, plan a routine time or date to talk about other issues that are affecting your relationship.