Hitchswitch-Blog

Tag: love

  • How to Support Your Partner Through a Stressful Time

    How to Support Your Partner Through a Stressful Time

    Supporting Your Partner Through Stress: A Guide to Stronger Connections

    Every relationship encounters moments when one partner is under more pressure than usual. Whether the cause is work, health, family issues, or just the everyday challenges of life, knowing how to be there for your partner during a stressful time is one of the most important parts of a healthy, lasting relationship. When handled with care and empathy, these difficult periods can actually strengthen your connection.

    With that in mind, we’ve put together some supportive strategies to help your partner feel heard, valued, and comforted during times of stress, while also keeping your relationship balanced and strong. From recognizing signs of stress to thoughtful communication and more, these tips can help you support your partner through stressful and hard times. 

    Recognize the Signs of Stress

    Stress doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Some people become quiet or withdrawn, while others may be irritable, distracted, or more emotional than usual. It’s helpful to learn your partner’s stress signals so you can recognize when they’re struggling, even if they’re not saying it out loud. Pay attention to changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or mood. Gently checking in with a simple “You seem a little off—want to talk about it?” can open the door to meaningful conversation

    Listen More Than You Talk

    When your partner does open up, active listening is one of the best ways to offer support. That means giving them your full attention—putting down the phone, making eye contact, and resisting the urge to offer solutions right away. Sometimes, just having a safe space to vent or process their emotions can be more helpful than any advice. Simple responses like “That sounds really tough,” or “I’m here for you” can go a long way in showing you care.

    Ask What They Need

    Every person—and every situation—is different. While one partner might want to talk things through in detail, another may prefer quiet company or even a little distraction. It’s okay to ask directly: “How can I support you right now?” This question lets your partner feel in control and reassures them that they’re not alone. Being open and responsive to their needs—whether it’s a hug, space, help around the house, or just a moment of normalcy—shows that you respect their individual coping style.

    Be Patient with Shifts in Mood or Energy

    Stress can affect a person’s mood, motivation, and availability in the relationship. Your partner might seem distant, tired, or less affectionate than usual. Try not to take it personally. Instead, acknowledge that they’re going through something difficult and give them a little grace. Offering steady, low-pressure support lets your partner feel emotionally safe and makes it easier for them to eventually bounce back.

    Offer Practical Help

    Sometimes stress comes with a to-do list that feels overwhelming. This could be related to work deadlines, medical appointments, or just household responsibilities that become harder to manage during tough times. Offering specific, tangible help—like running errands, making dinner, handling a chore, or helping organize their calendar—can take a load off your partner’s mind. It also shows that you’re invested in easing their burden in meaningful ways.

    Gently Encourage Healthy Habits

    Stress can make it harder to prioritize self-care. While you shouldn’t push, you can encourage healthy habits by modeling them or inviting your partner to join in. Suggest going for a walk together, cooking a nourishing meal, or taking a screen break with a shared activity. Small, supportive nudges can help your partner stay grounded without making them feel pressured.

    Know When to Step Back or Seek Help

    While your support matters deeply, there may be times when your partner needs help beyond what you can give. If they seem overwhelmed, hopeless, or unable to cope for an extended period, it might be time to suggest talking to a mental health professional. Framing it in a caring way, such as “I love you and want to see you feeling better. Maybe a counselor could help,” can reduce stigma and show that you’re looking out for their well-being, not criticizing them.

    Take Care of Yourself, Too

    Supporting a stressed-out partner can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you’re also tending to your own needs during this time. That might mean leaning on your support system, setting healthy boundaries, or carving out moments to recharge. Maintaining your own mental and emotional health allows you to continue being a strong, stable presence in the relationship, without burning out or growing resentful.

    Keep Communicating—Even About the Small Stuff

    While the focus may be on helping your partner, it’s also important to maintain open, two-way communication. Don’t feel like you have to hide your own feelings to “stay strong.” Being honest and supportive of each other builds mutual trust. Talk about the stress, but also make room for lighter topics, future plans, or shared moments of joy. Keeping the conversation flowing helps the relationship stay connected during challenging times.

    Add in Small Moments of Joy

    Even when life feels heavy, brief moments of happiness can offer a powerful reset. Watch a favorite show together, make a spontaneous ice cream run, or revisit an old inside joke. These moments won’t make the stress go away, but they do remind your partner that they’re loved—and that there’s still space for comfort, laughter, and hope.

    Ultimately, navigating stress as a couple is about teamwork and empathy. While you focus on the emotional support, remember that managing practical life changes can also reduce significant burdens. For instance, if a life event like a marriage requires a name change, services like HitchSwitch can handle the complex paperwork, freeing up valuable time and energy that can then be dedicated to supporting each other through other challenges. Learn how hitchswitch.com can simplify this transition 

  • Eight Things to Do Every Day to Keep Your Relationship Strong

    Eight Things to Do Every Day to Keep Your Relationship Strong

    Before I had my first real long term relationship, everyone around me always had a habit of letting me in on know how relationships work. They require hard work, a ton of energy, constant arguments, and more than a few sleepless nights. 

    You can guess what that did to my sense of commitment… 

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    But, you live, and you learn, and you realize that other people’s relationship status does not dictate your own. 

    If you’re ever lucky enough to find that one person to dedicate your life to, you’re going to realize that you will need constant maintenance to keep your connection secure and healthy. From what I’ve learned, maintaining a relationship is very similar to planting a seed. You will need to continually take care of it, provide it with enough nourishment, and love in order for it to grow.

    With that being said, there are numerous ways (countless really) to keep a relationship sturdy and robust. 

    Start Your Day The Right Way

    It sounds simple enough, right? That’s because it truly is. 

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    If you live with your partner, then you know that some nights, we tend to fall asleep furious at each other. It could be the result of any circumstances that might have triggered you both during your day. 

    In an interview with Kyle Benson, psychologist Susan David explains how “When people bottle, they are pushing aside their emotions, and their partner can often feel that they aren’t present—that they aren’t authentic or vulnerable in the relationship.” It’s commonly understood how unhealthy bottling emotions can be, primarily when it’s between two people. By starting your day with intimacy such as sex, cuddling, pillow talk, the bond linking two people strengthens. 

    The Little Things Matter

    It’s incredibly common for lust and passion to wear off as a relationship elongates. It’s the brutal truth. 

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    In the beginning, it was everyday sex, chocolates, flowers, date nights, and so much more. Now, this is not to say it dies off completely, but there’s a noticeable difference. Of course, several factors are involved when it reaches this point. Therapist Daniel Tomasulo explains how “the demise often involves thwarted expectations that, over time, erode the connection. Love that was once flourishing becomes unrequited, resulting in less engagement, simulation, and satisfaction.”

    So how do we avoid this? Well, for once, it’s healthy to keep the element of surprise present in the relationship! For example, flowers on a random day, date night at your favorite restaurant, trying a new sex move, or even bringing home a new Pyrex pan for your partner! 

    Hey, worked on me. 

    Tell Them About Your Day

    That’s it. That’s literally it. 

     

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    You sit with your partner wherever they may be. You’re drinking a hot cup of chocolate, it’s snowing outside, The Office is playing on Netflix, you’re wrapped up in a blanket probably designed by Martha Stewart, and your partner is curled up under your arms. So take this time to ask them how their day was, or tell them about your day. Tell them about a new book you found, a show you’re interested in, or a recipe you’re excited to try out. 

    Show Appreciation 

    Observe. And learn.

    I appreciate your cooking. I appreciate your presence. I appreciate your love, your care, your humbleness, your generosity, your smile, your laughter, your messages, your calls. I appreciate you. 

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    But it’s not just stating your appreciation, it’s showing it. It’s taking care of your partner, showing them how much you love them, and reminding them how much they mean to you. Easy, right?

    Show Affection

    Affection is not only based on your sex life. There are several ways to show love that include physical, verbal, and emotional. The forms of affection include hugs, touches, massages, listening, and so much more. 

     

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    Marriage and Family therapist Gabrielle Applebury says how “Showing affection in your relationship is an important aspect of maintaining intimacy.” It’s always the little things that make the most significant difference.

    Hit The Gym 

    Couples that workout together stay together. I personally stand by this statement. The benefits of exercise and the science behind how it affects the human mentality are endless. 

     

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    And yes, you guessed it, it’s an excellent habit to create, especially with your partner. You get the chance to plan your workouts together, stay healthy, and meet your fitness goals!

    Set New Goals Every Day

    Speaking of goals…

    Think of how to better not only your relationship but your life together in general. Think about how you are going to propel towards that goal with your significant other. Talk about it, dream about, always discuss it. 

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    Emotional Fitness therapist Barton Goldsmith explains how “This alignment is critical for creating harmony and allowing you both to reach your dreams. Once that alignment is secure, there is no limit to how much you can accomplish together.” Forming a goal is a lifetime commitment. By building it with your partner, it strengthens your attachment with each other. 

    Share Your Thoughts

    I do mean the good, the bad, and the ugly. We are not always going to have healthy thoughts, and that’s ok. The most important thing is to talk about it with your partner. Share everything you think because communication is vital in any relationship. 

     

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    Share what you’re contemplating, have your partner share, discuss, and talk about how you feel towards it all in the end. 

     

  • Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

    Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

    Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

    In our last article, we talked about throwing an incredible Valentine’s Day party, and I’m sure if you read that article, then your Valentine’s day party was the talk of the town. Now, while your local Target is probably overfilled with human-sized teddy bears at the moment, there’s always something about homemade gifts that hold more sentimental meaning to what love truly is. To save you time and trouble, we have picked a few simple ideas that will have your partner smiling from ear to ear.

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    Valentine’s Day Mason Jar

    “I am obsessed with Mason jars!” says the stay at home mom who spends hours scrolling through Pinterest every day. Let me tell you why Mason jars are the absolute best.

    •     You can use them to plant herbs
    •     Great for smoothies and juices
    •     Toothbrush/pencil/twine/buttons holder
    •     Prep salad in them and take them to go
    •     Overnight oats or puddings

    The list is endless! For Valentine’s Day, here’s how you can benefit from a mason jar: 

    • Fill it to the brink with candy hearts, and you can use either a boutique of fake or real flowers. Your call.
    • Handpick your loved one’s favorite chocolates and cut out paper hearts with sweet messages on them. You can choose to paint the jar pink or wrap it with a red glitter ribbon.
    • Valentine’s Day goodies! This includes heart-shaped cookies, pink/red macaroons, sugar cookie hearts, Hershey’s Kisses, conversation heart cookies.
    • Fill the jar of notes on why you love this person. Design the outside of the box with glitter, hearts, and both your initials. Anytime your loved one feels down; they can open a note and remember how much they’re loved.

     

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    Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs

    Even though bath bombs have been a thing since the 1990s, they only gained popularity in early 2018. After they blew up, I felt like they dominated the cosmetics industry. People were making bath bombs left and right. There was so many shapes, colors, and scents to pick from that you would have thought at this point, I would have tried one.

    Creating your own bath bombs at home is an incredibly simple task. You can find the steps here and get creative! You can make them heart-shaped, cupcake shaped, and even in the shape of lips. You can literally find the mold for anything on Amazon. You can present them in a mason jar (obvi) or any acceptable container you have on hand!

    If you’re planning on creating this gift for your partner, always remember bathtubs are fit for two (wink, wink).

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    Scavenger Hunt

    I know what you’re thinking. Who has the frikin’ time to create a scavenger hunt?

    The answer is me, always me. I’m adding this to the list because it was my gift to my husband last year and he thoroughly loved it! If your loved one is a fan of riddles and finding things, this one’s for you, too! Every puzzle and hint was kept within the house, so it didn’t take long. I kept them short, simple, and sexy.

    The last clue-which was really more of an answer-led him to a hotel where I had rented a room for the night. Rose petals everywhere, lavender scented candles, a steak dinner, a bottle of bubbly, a sexy film (Secretary), and err, that’s it.

    Now I’m just waiting for someone to hand me the “Best Wife” award. Should be any minute now.

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    Homemade Cake with Message

    Do you love to bake? Does your house always smell like the holidays because of the cinnamon buns you’ve been baking? Do your neighbors continuously ask you for your recipes because your pecan chocolate chip cookies are the best damn thing they’ve ever tasted?

    Then I want YOU to bake a cake with a loving message this Valentine’s Day. You know the phrase “The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Yeah, well, I’m here to tell you that the quickest way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach because food is fantastic and clearly essential to our survival. I just never understood how they made something as simple as food about men.

    Moving on. If you’ve got a message for your loved one, then grab that frosting and get to writing. Then enjoy with a glass of red wine while cuddled under a blanket watching Pretty Woman.

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    You + Me on a Tree

    Click here for a visual. When I first stumbled upon Jamie’s DIY, I immediately thought “What the-,” because never in a million years would I have thought to use leftover firewood to make a memorable gift.

    Did I believe it would be difficult? Most definitely. Was it? Nope. But it does require you to be patient and careful since you will be using a utility knife and woodburning tool.

    The result is rustic, romantic, memorable, and a great addition to any room.

    See? There are just a few ideas to get those wheels in your head turning. All simple, all significant, all made with love and appreciation. Regardless of what you choose to make, always remember that at the end of the day, the perfect gift is you being there for your loved ones.