Stress is the enemy of the businessman.  It’s also the enemy of a good marriage. When you’re facing significant stressors – a marathon of overwork is behind you and another one is in front of you.  Or you’ve just had your second child.  Or you’ve had to move and your first house isn’t selling for what you bought it.  Or one or both of you is miserable in your job/s, feeling trapped.  These are the times you start snapping at each other, often without even noticing.  However, one of you will notice: the emotion may fade away for the snap-er, less likely so for the snap-ee.  As your spouse becomes the sponge for your stress, he or she will begin to protect him/herself emotionally.  Distance in a couple usually starts here.  That distance can grow faster than you think.  To keep this from happening: apologize, better with hug than without, but even the bare apology works wonders.  The apology is essential, no matter how small the snap.  

Even more important than the apology, though, is snap prevention.  Work with your partner to intentionally disrupt the cycle of stress.  “Date night” is one strategy but only if it’s used right.  Going out to dinner so exhausted you only bore each other will increase stress.  Disrupting the stress cycle requires knowledge of who you are as individuals and as a couple, and what gives you pleasure and relief.   Two proven stress releasers: laughter and exercise.  Go to a funny movie, race each other, do something silly with friends.  Figure out what works for you.  Do this often.  Do this when you are least likely to feel like doing it, that’s when you’ll need it the most.