Change and conflict are natural and inevitable. Weathering change and resolving conflicts are far more beneficial than avoiding them. Key ingredients to help your relationship survive this tragedy include caring about each other, sharing thoughts and feelings, accepting your differences, and reassuring your partner that you are committed to the relationship. Partners have very different needs for sex and intimacy. In time, as your grief becomes more manageable, your sexual relationship can become more comfortable and easier to negotiate.
Anger is a common grieving emotion and can lead to a cycle of outbursts and withdrawal.
Reassure each other that you aren t going to leave the relationship. Allowing feelings and being honest will build intimacy and strengthen your marriage. Constructive ways to resolve conflicts involve listening, acknowledging feelings, stepping back when your partner vents, and setting time aside for planned discussions. If you are both determined that your relationship will survive, it probably will. If you think couples counseling might help, try it.