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According to therapists, the answer is yes … kind of. “A lot of people are in this work/relationship boat, and it’s not easy,” says Dr. Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D., a Los-Angeles based psychologist whose specialties include couples and careers. “Many have trouble separating the business relationship —putting away that professional side at the end of the day and focusing on the romantic side. The ideal balance can be reached, but it’s not necessarily going to be perfect.”
Dr. Thomas explains that in addition to “normal” relationship obstacles — family, personality conflicts, communication, etc. — couples who work together now also have to tackle an office environment together and all that comes with it. “Now, you’ve got work stress to deal with,” she explains. “Maybe one day you come home in a bad mood but the overhang of your tension is there. Maybe one partner is doing better at work than the other. There are many reasons to be unhappy at the workplace and the overhang of your feelings can impact your quality time as a couple as well as the romantic/intimate component.”
Tip #1: Have “Me” Time
“You can’t be tied to each other’s hips,” says Dr. Thomas. “Everybody needs a break and a time to chill out so you don’t feel smothered or suffocated by your partner. Maybe that means you take half an hour to yourself before or after you come together after work.”
Tip #2: Don’t Talk Shop Off-The-Clock
Dr. Thomas explains one of the biggest dilemmas that can come from working with a partner is that the focus is always on work, even when you’re off the clock. If possible, the psychologist suggests making a concerted effort to leave business at the office when you’re spending quality time together. “I think it’s important to create a boundary with yourself and your partner,” says the psychologist. “Say, ‘Hey, we’re home now, this is about us.’” I sometimes suggest that couples use a trigger word when they want to shift the conversation so it’s not work-related.”
Yvonne Thomas Ph.D. is a psychologist in the Los Angeles Area. To read the full article “Couples Who Work Together Face Unique Challenges — Here’s How To Work Through Them” visit thezoereport.com