858: Emotional Let Down
“Let down is inevitable but if you close the distance so is connection. So is joy.” —Mia McKenzie
Anticipation is a powerful emotion. When you’ve been looking forward to something for a while, it’s normal to experience a physical and emotional letdown once the event has passed.
But the emotional dip doesn’t just affect you. It can impact your marriage, too.
There are many exciting moments that can lead to this kind of letdown. A romantic getaway, a family vacation, a graduation, or another milestone event can all bring it on.
You spend so much time imagining how it will go, the interactions you’ll have, and the memories you’ll create. Then, once it’s over, you may find yourself wondering, “Now what?”
This feeling is not just in your head. It is completely normal to feel a sense of emptiness, sadness, disappointment, or even frustration once it’s all behind you.
During those high points of anticipation and excitement, your body releases endorphins, the feel good hormones. And when the event ends, those endorphins drop.
The sudden shift can feel jarring. It can affect your mood, your energy, and the way you relate to your spouse.
But when you understand that this is a common experience, you can meet it with grace and intentional strategies instead of letting it create distance between you.
Start by being proactive with gratitude. During the experience and in the days that follow, focus on the good. Write down your favorite memories, look through photos, and talk about what you enjoyed most.
Next, be gentle with yourself. There is no need to dive straight back into your routine. Give yourself permission to ease into it.
One practice that has helped us navigate emotional letdowns is walk and talks. Moving your body while talking gives space for thoughts to surface and be processed together.
It is also helpful to connect with others who shared the experience. Of course, talk with your spouse. But you can also reach out to friends or family who were part of it. Sharing memories with others can bring a fresh wave of joy and perspective.
Finally, put something new on your calendar to look forward to. It could be as simple as a dinner date or movie night, or you might start planning your next getaway or event. Having something else on the horizon keeps you feeling connected and energized.
As you transition back from a meaningful experience, remember to give grace to yourself and your spouse. It is hard to come down from the joy and connection of something long anticipated.
But you don’t have to let the emotional let down take away from the happy memories or pull you apart. Instead, use it as an opportunity to create more joy and connection in your marriage.
Resources
Connect with Us
Join the ONE Family private Facebook group to share your story and connect with other couples who are creating extraordinary marriages. To reach us on the Hug Hotline, call or text 858-876-5663 or email hugs@oneextraordinarymarriage.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Medical Disclaimer: The content of this article & website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.