Computers Cause Stress for Couples

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Computers are causing a great deal of stress in love lives. Two out of five U.S. adults who have a computer and also are in a relationship say computer-related issues have caused them some deal of stress, according to Crucial.com, an online retailer of computer memory products.

In fact, one of every five who responded to a Crucial.com survey said computer problems are more stressful and frustrating than having an argument with his or her significant other. 

Chief sources of tension include the belief that the person's partner is spending too much time on the computer and the performance of the computer itself, according to responses of 2,691 adults polled by Harris Interactive. The complaint about time spent was cited by 23 percent of the respondents.

"A computer’s performance can increase or lower stress in a relationship," said John Gray, the relationship counselor who wrote the 1992 best-seller "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus." "We’re living in a world where most people spend more time with a computer on a daily basis than they do with their spouse or significant other."

Women are also more likely than men to be disappointed by the performance of their computer, the researchers found.

The computer is not the most common cause of stress in relationships, however. Seventy-five percent of couples said they fight over finances, and 59 percent of couples said that work-related issues have caused a problem in their relationships. 

Gray, 61, said, "These findings are fascinating because of the changing dynamic between people and their computers. I have a lot of couples coming to me about issues that cause tension in their relationships — of course, finances and job stress are the usual suspects, but I am also hearing more concern about time spent on the computer."

This story was provided by BusinessNewsDaily, a sister site to LiveScience. Follow David Mielach on Twitter @D_M89 or BusinessNewsDaily @bndarticles. We're also on Facebook & Google+.