By Natalie, Head Matchmaker
Every year around tax time, I notice the same thing happen with many singles and couples I speak to. Stress levels rise, confidence dips, people become distracted, and dating suddenly gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
And honestly, it’s completely understandable.
Whether it’s unexpected bills, business pressures, waiting on refunds, juggling family responsibilities or simply feeling mentally exhausted, tax season can affect far more than just your bank account. It can impact relationships, communication, intimacy and even your motivation to put yourself out there and meet someone new.
As a matchmaker, I see this every single year.
People suddenly say:
“ I’ll start dating again once things settle down.”
“ I just don’t feel like myself at the moment.”
“ I can’t justify spending money socially right now.”
“ Work and finances are consuming me.”
But here’s something important to remember. Life rarely pauses long enough for everything to feel perfectly organised before love arrives.
Sometimes connection comes during the messy seasons.
When Tax Time Affects Relationships
Financial stress has a way of making people emotionally shorter, quieter or more reactive. Often couples think something is wrong with the relationship itself, when really they’re both simply carrying pressure differently.
One person may withdraw.
The other may need reassurance.
Communication can become snappy without either person truly meaning it.
This is where kindness matters most.
One of the healthiest things couples can do during stressful periods is remind themselves they are on the same team. Not opponents. Not competitors.
It’s also important not to stop nurturing the relationship simply because life feels busy or expensive.
Connection doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Some of the happiest couples I know still make time for:
Takeaway coffee together
Evening walks
Cooking dinner at home together
Movie nights on the couch, hand on leg, a simple gesture of affection.
Simple quality time without pressure
Often it’s the small moments that keep relationships feeling safe and connected.
And sometimes, stressful periods actually strengthen relationships because they reveal emotional maturity, patience and support in real life situations, not just during the easy times.
If You’re Single and Putting Dating Off
This is incredibly common, particularly among professionals, business owners and people who are financially responsible.
Many singles feel they need to have everything perfectly sorted before they can focus on love.
But the truth is, most emotionally mature people understand that life comes with stressful seasons.
You do not need to have a “perfect” month financially to be worthy of companionship, connection or love.
In fact, good company can often lighten stress rather than add to it.
Dating also doesn’t need to mean expensive restaurants and big nights out. Some of the best early dates are actually simple:
Coffee
A picnic
A casual drink
A Sunday market
Fish and chips by the water
A gallery visit
A relaxed walk and conversation
The right person is usually far more interested in how you make them feel than how much you spend.
And if your energy is low at the moment, it’s okay to be honest about that too.
There’s nothing wrong with saying:
“Work and life have been hectic lately, but I’d still love to meet someone genuine.”
That feels real. Human. Relatable.
A Few Helpful Ways to Reduce Stress During Tax Season
Try not to isolate yourself socially
Keep communication open with your partner
Avoid making major relationship decisions during highly stressful periods
Schedule time away from work and admin
Focus on connection over perfection
Remember that stress is temporary
Be gentle with yourself and others
Final Thoughts
Stress has a way of making people question themselves. It can temporarily affect confidence, motivation and emotional energy.
But stressful seasons do pass.
You are still allowed to:
have a social life
meet someone wonderful
laugh
feel hopeful
and make space for connection
You do not need to wait until every part of life feels perfectly calm before allowing yourself happiness.
Sometimes the most meaningful relationships begin during imperfect chapters because that’s when people show who they truly are.
And that matters far more than having a perfectly organised spreadsheet at tax time.
Natalie
Head Matchmaker
