Daily Practices to Strengthen Your Relationship in Challenging Times

We often give the best of ourselves to coworkers, friends, and strangers. The result? Our partners witness our worst moments when we get home. Nate Klemp and Kaley Klemp offer three ways to connect and boost relationship resilience.

Adobe Stock/Mykola

Just recently, our nine-year-old daughter taught us a profound lesson about the nature of relationships.

She arrived home from school one day in a frenzy. She stomped around her room trying to get our attention. She complained incessantly about our dinner choice. She broke down into tears over a slight bonk to her knee.

When we finally sat down for dinner, we asked her, “Is this how you act at school?” 

“No, you guys,” she said, “I use up all of my good behavior at school. By the time I get home, it’s all gone and this is what’s left.”

After a day spent managing the stress of work, caring for your kids, or even just watching the latest news, you may find that you’ve used up all of your good behavior.

Wise words from a nine-year-old. Because, if you’re like us, you might find yourself falling into this very same pattern. After a day spent managing the stress of work, caring for your kids, or even just watching the latest news, you may find that you’ve used up all of your good behavior. 

The result is that your coworkers, friends, and even the random people you pass on the…