London: Brexit not only split the UK into ‘Remain’ and ‘Leave’ camps but it is also causing relationship rifts as couples fight about the EU referendum result.
According to the Independent, troubled couples who are seeking help from Relate’s relationship counselling services discussed difficulties with communication, their sex lives, affairs and mental health problems — and Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
A total of 300 relationship support practitioners were asked if they had seen any clients who had mentioned the EU referendum and the decision to leave the EU as an issue in their relationship. Over 19.4% of the counsellors said they had.
Relate counsellor Gurpreet Singh said: “Arguments over Brexit, who to vote for and other topical debates can bring up underlying issues within the relationship as they highlight where couples have a lack of shared values. Our values are hugely important to us so when our partners don’t agree with them it can feel quite concerning.”
Mr Singh told the Independent that he had seen several clients in 2016 who mentioned Brexit in counselling sessions. The momentous decision to leave the EU was “causing anxiety about the future.”
“In many cases Brexit has simply added fuel to an existing fire — couples will mention how their partner voted in the EU referendum as an example of how ‘you never listen to me’, ‘I don’t feel understood’, ‘you don’t value my opinions’.” Earlier, UK’s largest family law organisation, Resolution, which represents solicitors and those involved in family law across England and Wales said the stress of Brexit is adding to pressure on couples on the brink of divorce.
