Marriage is the foundation of many peoples’ lives, and it’s beautiful to watch a growing relationship unfold into a virtuous marriage. In many marriages, there is a tendency to lose sight of the prize when each individual is attempting to assert independence or move in their own way. For many people, avoiding marital strife is simple because they know what they are seeking in the relationship, they communicate well with the other person, and they are committed to working through issues together, rather than apart.
Understanding How to Coexist in Couples Counseling
Coexistence is an important topic in counseling sessions
In a relationship, it is important to have goals and to know what you desire from the relationship. Two people that are completely incompatible in some ways may be drawn to each other for inexplicable reasons, and as long as both of those people are able to satisfy the other by fulfilling their desires, the relationship will grow and strengthen over time. In contrast, two people that have different desires or goals for the relationship will encounter a lot of challenges as they attempt to align their two lives together.
Learning to Accept Your Partner
The very best thing that any person can do in a relationship is to completely accept the other person for who he/she is. This does not mean that you necessarily have to agree with everything that he/she says or does, but you should accept the person for the unique and positive aspects that they bring to your life. Couples that can accept their differences are often much better able to work through challenges as they arise.
Staying Together and Making the Relationship Work
In couples counseling, you can begin to develop a deeper understanding of your partner by communicating in a safe, open environment.
In couples counseling, you can begin to develop a deeper understanding of your partner by communicating in a safe, open environment. When you learn how to have positive conversations with your spouse or partner, even when you do not fully agree with them, you can navigate the relationship much easier. You can also seek counseling as an individual before you both commit to couples counseling together. This way, you can clarify your desires, your goals, and the areas of your relationship that need improvement before you speak to your partner.
At Marriage and Couples Counseling in New York City, our counselors are experienced at helping couples at any stage of a relationship. Whether you are in the opening stages of developing a long-lasting relationship or you have been married for 25 years, our counselors can guide you so that you are able to make improvements to your relationship in the future.