In this week’s episode of “Mondays with Mike,” host Mike Staver addresses a challenging and sensitive question from a viewer regarding how to handle her husband’s prolonged unemployment and negative attitude after being fired. Mike provides thoughtful advice on how to approach the situation with empathy, while also emphasizing the importance of open communication, mental health considerations, and setting healthy boundaries in relationships.
Mike suggests that before taking any drastic measures, the viewer should first have a loving and respectful conversation with her husband to understand what might be causing his negative behavior. He highlights that the husband’s bad attitude may be linked to depression or a sense of discouragement after losing his job. Mike stresses the importance of offering support and resources to help her husband regain his motivation, but also recognizes the need for a philosophical discussion about the impact his behavior is having on their relationship and finances.
Key Takeaways:
-
Open and empathetic communication is crucial when dealing with a partner’s prolonged unemployment and negative behavior.
-
A negative attitude after job loss could indicate deeper mental health issues, such as depression, that may require attention.
-
Encouragement and providing resources can help a partner regain motivation, but they must be willing to change.
-
It’s important to discuss the long-term implications of adopting an unhealthy lifestyle and attitude on the relationship and finances.
- Setting boundaries and having a philosophical discussion about the situation is necessary to ensure the health of the relationship.
Notable Quotes:
-
“A meaningful, loving, and respectful conversation about your concern for him is the first step.”
-
“Sometimes we get discouraged and telling him to get off his lazy behind and get a job is probably not the most therapeutic thing you can say.”
-
“It’s not your job though, you can’t want it more than he wants it.”
-
“A philosophical conversation about how it’s not okay that he adopts this lifestyle and this attitude… it’s not good for the relationship, it’s not good for your other outside social relationships, and it’s certainly not good for your finances.”
Do you have a burning question for Mike to answer on another episode of Mondays with Mike? Send it to info@mikestaver.com or submit the form below!
