HOUSTON-Valentine's Day is here. And while it's easy to get wrapped up in all the love on Feb. 14, experts say there may be more stress than romance in some relationships these days.
We've got the struggling economy to thank for that.
"There's a feeling of loss. They've lost some of their plans, their hopes, their dreams for the future that were dependent on that financial support," psychologist Dr. Chuck Gray said.
Gray specializes in adult relationships. Like many in his field, Gray considers the issue of finances among the leading causes of divorce.
But believe it or not, there's some good news in all of this. Experts say if you're having financial stress in your relationship and you deal with it correctly, it could actually be a great bonding experience for you and your partner.
Perhaps we'd all do well to take a cue from Ken and Karen Waldman.
After more than 22 years of marriage, 11 News asked them if they still love each other.
"Umm I'm going to keep the receipt," Karen Waldman joked Friday as she bought Valentine's goodies at the Kroger on West Gray.
Despite some good-natured ribbing, it was clear that they do.
The Waldmans said their biggest struggle financially came when they had five family members in college.
They said they made it through by communicating with each other and remembering that their struggles were just temporary.
They also said it helped to stop worrying about all the things they didn't have and start appreciating the things they did.
"Like your health, and your family," Karen Waldman said.
"Also, remember love is an active verb. It's not are you in love, but are you loving," Ken Waldman said.
If you are, they said everything else will take care of itself.
