Five Tips on Being A Graduate Student Spouse
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the brief period that has been my marriage, it’s that there’s three things that affect the way we look at things in our relationship.
My way, her way, and school’s way.
I now realize I can never underestimate just how tiring, frustrating, and nerve-racking it can be to be in graduate school, and how much it takes for me to be in tune with what my wife needs. Here’s five tips that I’ve picked up along the way so that you and yours can make it like Dwayne and Whitley Wayne, even with graduate school.
1. Be able to disappear and reappear at a moment’s notice - Don’t ever take it personal, but if there are times your significant other needs to dedicate to study or preparation, understand that its not your time. And when they need a break from study and preparation, try to make sure you are there to breathe life and fun back into their hampered social lives. After all, they depend on you to be what they are not.
2. Offer, offer, offer - If you have to pick up the slack for chores, cooking and other mundane things you don’t feel like doing, do so. And be glad to have the opportunity. Higher education is no joke, and clutter and mess does nothing to alleviate the stressed out mind.
3. Make yourself one with the universe - In the time that your partner is studying, get up on some new things that can improve your relationship, and yourself. Find new places to go and things to see, or, start a list of things you want to accomplish before you die. You’ll be surprised how much you learn about yourself.
4. Keep track of their work - Make sure you are your partners biggest cheerleader. Remember when they have tests, assignments, and other things where grading can cause anxiety.
5. Relax - It’s always over quicker than you think it will be. And when the money and stress starts coming in from their new job, amp up steps one through four.