1. Address conflict and validate each other’s feelings

During tough times, it’s important to hold space for each other’s grief, anxiety, and sadness while also being proactive toward solutions. This can look like validating your partner’s feelings and providing them with emotional or practical support.

2. Celebrating your wins together

When conflict arises it’s easy to focus on the negatives — but research shows that celebrating good news together can strengthen your bond.

3. Approach issues as a team

Overcoming life’s adversities often means working toward shared goals with a mindset of “we are in this together.”

4. Seek couples therapy

It’s not always possible to navigate complex challenges alone, even for the strongest of couples. Some of life’s challenges can bring up immense emotional stress, such as:

losing a loved one

miscarriage or trouble conceiving

job loss or career changes

financial difficulties

developing physical or mental health conditions

5. Rethink your relationship goals

Stressful times sometimes call for reevaluating the status of your relationship. It may be time to think about your individual goals and your shared goals as a couple.