When they're down...

EDIT: OOPS. SOMEONE MOVE THIS TO TQP PLEASE!!!

Let's face it: times are tough.

When unemployment hits or job search isn't going well for your significant other or family member, how do you deal with them?

I say significant other more importantly, because I think that's the person you spend most of your time with (or most likely live with). And them not having a job or having a rough time with it, ultimately brings on stress at home as well.

In my eyes it seems to weigh more heavily on relationships when the females have the better job or the guys have just gotten the shaft. Perhaps because men innately have the protective / possessive nature that makes them feel like they should say "it's okay, I can support you."

I feel like for females, our innate motherly-nuturing nature kicks in when he's down, we try to help like suggesting contacts / resume help and whatnot, and it ultimately tampers with their ego because it makes them feel like they can't handle the unemployed situation alone.

I try not to touch the subject as much as possible, but it does make it hard to be supportive. Guys, how would you like to be treated in those situations?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Shade

However, if he's making some effort, let him do his thing.

Check. Any good suggestion on how to help keep his spirits up in the meanwhile?

(Him being depressed RE:job situation and bringing it to the relationship also causes me stress too?)

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Denicalis

You are my girlfriend, not my mom.

THIS. He gets harped / adviced up the wall by his parents/step-parents/cousins what have you, that I've been trying to lay off the job topic in its entirety.

I've been trying to encourage him to go to the beach / gym or to work out with him every once in a while to get his mind off the job thing, but it seems like a far off prospect that he'd start doing those things without me. I'd like him to enjoy such activities without me involved, but it seems like unless I get really close to nagging, he's not going to.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Thanks lurker

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?