Relationship Advice
-
- Dr. Fibus Relationship Advice
-
- Dr. Fibus’ Relationship Program
In the early days of a relationship, we’re usually pretty happy. We feel good about our partner, our partnership and ourselves. Whatever issues hover at the margins – money, family, employment – things seem manageable in the glow of new love.
But eventually, things settle down, reality settles in and one day we realize that we’re not quite as happy in the relationship as we once were. As we start to wonder what happened, our first reaction might be to blame our spouse: You’re not making me happy any more!
As logical as this may seem at the moment and as much as we may want it to be true, it is not our partner’s job to make us happy. Our spouse and our relationship certainly contribute to our happiness or unhappiness. But the only person who can truly make us happy is our self.
If we are unhappy, we need to explore the reasons, then design and implement the solutions. A counselor can be an extremely valuable ally in this process.
We may also find ourselves thinking that our partner ‘owes us’ something – that we have done more than our share in the relationship and we’re due compensation to ‘even things out.’ This may take the shape of money, sex, gifts, time or other forms of ‘payment.’ But in our marriage, as partners, we each have a responsibility to communicate our needs, expectations and limitations as we go along. Our relationship is not like a credit card, with a constant exchange of debt and repayment; it is a mutual commitment to a common goal that we agree upon, talk about and review.
If you feel shorted in your relationship, it may be time to talk with a skilled relationship counselor who can help you explore new ways to communicate, express yourself and be happy as individuals and as a couple.
For a free phone consult, call Dr. Fibus at 818.395.2832.
Posted in: Relationship Counseling
Recent Posts:
for your initial free
10 minute phone
consultation!
818.395.2832
this form today!