We've all been in this situation: watching our partner drown in work, not knowing how to help. Or, maybe we're the ones feeling overwhelmed by work ourselves and noticing that it's affecting our relationship, but feeling powerless to change it.
"Excessive fatigue is not only a personal burden, it is also a test for the relationship itself. If not addressed in time, emotional distance can turn into an irreversible void," writes journalist Nell Frizzell in an article for The Guardian.
According to Sue Armstrong, clinical director of Relate , the UK’s largest relationship counselling service, many employees today are under pressure from unreasonable demands in the workplace. There are times when work needs to take a back seat temporarily, such as when preparing for a professional qualification or completing an important project. But if this becomes the rule rather than the exception, relationships start to weaken.
When work takes up all the space and your partner withdraws from your daily life together, this is a sign that you need to sit down and talk openly and honestly about the state of your relationship.
What does real support mean?
Armstrong emphasizes that one of the most powerful ways to support your partner is to listen attentively, without judging or rushing to provide solutions. It's not always necessary to do something concrete; often understanding, presence, a hug, or a calm, warm conversation is enough.
Showing genuine interest in your partner's work, even if you don't fully understand what they do, is a form of love. Small questions like, "How did that awkward meeting go?" can mean a lot more than you think.
How to stay close to your partner
If we don't know how to help him, we can ask him directly:
"Do you want me to listen to you or help you with something concrete?"
"Do you want me to take care of the kids today?"
"Would you like to take a short break, just for the two of us?"
Love is not always expressed in big words, but in small gestures of care.
It's human to feel anxious when we see our partner upset by stress; sometimes we may react with nervousness, jealousy, or fear. But these reactions often make the situation worse. Acceptance, flexibility, and calm communication are the keys to keeping a healthy relationship even during difficult times.
