Turns out the EU referendum didn’t just divide the nation in 2016 – Brexit even caused couples to split, say relationship counsellors
Relate said a fifth of their advisors had seen couples raise the issue during sessions this year
THE EU referendum divided the nation in 2016 - but the political storm over Brexit even caused splits in romantic relationships as couples starting raising the issue in counselling sessions.
Figures from Relate show a fifth of relationship support practitioners they asked revealed they had clients where Britain's divorce from Brussels came up.
One of their counsellors, 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.
“Despite this, some difference in beliefs and values can be a healthy thing as it can help to keep things interesting and help us to see things from a different perspective.”
Mr Singh added: "I've seen several clients in 2016 who have mentioned Brexit in counselling sessions. In some cases, Brexit is causing anxiety about the future and this is putting pressure on the relationship.
"In other cases, whether to leave or remain has been the only thing the couple can agree on.
“In my experience, Brexit hasn't been the main reason for couples attending counselling in the first place but they've brought up the topic in our sessions.
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"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', 'you always want to do your own thing'.
"If a couple brings up Brexit in the counselling room, our job is to widen out the conversation to talk about their values, how to resolve arguments and how to listen to one another."