Relationships and Adversity

All relationships have their high and low periods.  It is inevitable that a relationship will from time to time undergo tough periods and adversity.  The health and potentially the survivability of the relationship will depend on how both partners address the adversity and the underlying issues.  It is especially trying if the issues subconsciously spark behaviors that sabotage communications through the triggering of negative feelings.  Becoming stuck in a personal drama or failing to address a sabotaging habit or behavior will inevitably damage the relationship, perhaps beyond repair.

All it may take to do the necessary work to break out of a negative drama or correct the destructive behaviors is to remember why the relationship exists in the first place and how strong it seems during the high points.  Differences of opinion are inevitable, but can be handled with open and honest communication.  Using fight-fair rules, listening with empathy, and valuing the other person inevitably lead to bringing both partners to the same side of the table to address the key issues.  When that happens, the issues will be resolved and a stronger relationship emerges.

Photo credit: Cousin Dawn