How do Money Problems Affect Intimacy?

Studies show that money problems cause not only marital arguments but intimacy troubles too. A study done by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs showed almost half of people surveyed admitted that financial troubles caused intimacy issues in their relationships.

What is the correlation? Here’s why it happens.

Money Problems Causes Stress

Stress hurts many areas of your life, including your intimate life. If you can’t relax and enjoy the simple things in life, you aren’t likely to enjoy intimate time with your spouse. Stress causes your mind to go elsewhere and not on your spouse or partner. When you can’t focus on the time with your spouse, it’s hard to enjoy intimacy and it snowballs into even more trouble with your partner.

You may be Feeling Overworked

If you feel like you don’t have enough money, you may be doing whatever you can to make more. This may help your financial situation eventually, but it can cause pure exhaustion and lack of motivation in you.

If you’re overworked, the last thing you want to do is come home and have to please someone else. You’re more likely to lay on the couch or even go to bed early to rejuvenate yourself for the next day. If your spouse or partner feels ignored, it can cause problems in the marriage, though.

Money Problems may Cause Resentment

If you have money problems in your relationship but you aren’t comfortable talking about it, you may keep it inside. When you keep resentment inside, it can eat away at your insides, making you feel ill physically and mentally.

Some people withhold things subconsciously, including sex. If you think your partner is the cause of the money problems, you may withhold intimacy from him/her without saying anything, but eventually your partner will notice and will want to know what’s going on.

How to Fix the Issues

If you have money problems, work together with your spouse to figure out a solution. Should you bring in more money, cut back on expenses, or restructure everything? If you work together, you may feel more like a team rather than two defensive players coming at one another.

Meanwhile, since money problems won’t fix themselves overnight, take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat right, talk to someone you trust, and find a healthy way to get your anger out. Don’t hold it in and let it build up, as it will only lead to more problems.

Money Problems Don’t have to Cause Intimacy Problems Too

Money makes the world go round or at least it feels that way, but don’t let it get to your relationship. Keep open and honest communication with your partner even when times are tough. When you work together, you’ll feel like you can fix whatever comes your way rather than feeling resentful or angry.

If you have intimacy problems caused by money issues, seek help. Sometimes getting that independent third party involved is enough to get things going in the right direction.