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Warning - the World Cup can cause strain

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World Cup 2018 starts next Thursday (14th June) and typically football supporters don’t tend to just restrict their watching to their own country of choice, but will be keeping a close watch of the coverage of other country’s matches.

As such households may encounter increased marital strain during the Russian World Cup 2018 according to Jennifer Roulston, family solicitor.  She highlights that events such as the World Cup can put strain on relationships.

Jennifer says, "Marriages break down for all sorts of reasons.  Often it is not one incident that leads to a break up but a culmination of numerous smaller issues and tensions."

"We often see an increase in matrimonial enquiries following Christmas when perhaps the stresses of family life become too much.  It is possible that we will see a similar scenario following this year's World Cup."

Jennifer warns that some clichés can be true, "Most of us have received joke emails about do's and don'ts for wives during the World Cup.  It is probably true that in a majority of marriages the husband will be more interested in the football than their wife.  The constant TV coverage of the World Cup could lead to niggling issues and tensions within the marriage."

Jennifer points out that as a solicitor she is not a counsellor to offer marital advice, as her role is to assist the best outcome for her client once they have decided to split.  However, Jennifer points to some advice which non-interested partners can follow to avoid increasing tension:

  • If their team is losing don’t say "it's only a game", or "don't worry they'll win next time.”
  • Choose the right moment to strike up a conversation, this is generally during adverts at half time - not during the match or when the manager or goal-scorer is being interviewed.
  • Highlights shows are just as important as the matches themselves - do not suggest "but you have already seen this."
  • There will be certain games where watching the match at the pub is preferable to watching it at home, despite it being on 'normal' TV.
  • If attending a wedding or family event there will be at least one guest with a radio ear piece to update everyone else with scores - or there will be possibly be a TV at the reception.

Jennifer adds, "Advice for the football fans would be to try and make time around the football to spend with your partner and family."

Jennifer Roulston is based at FDR Law offices in Stockton Heath, call on 01925 604713 or email jennifer.roulston@fdrlaw.co.uk