Stay or Go
Fighting, infidelities, lack of intimacy, loneliness, lack of trust, boredom, monetary concerns and abuse are only some of the reasons that would cause an individual in a relationship to consider leaving their partner. Making the decision to leave and acting upon it is challenging, particularly because some relationships are salvable. The question is when is a relationship worth saving? And when is one better off starting over.
Almost any relationship is fixable if both partners are willing to put the work in. However, sometimes, even if both partners are vested, the cost of staying in the relationship is not worth the effort. Sometimes leaving and starting over is the best option. Identifying if the relationship is truly “over” or if it is a rough patch can be confusing. Many people seek couples counseling to help provide them with a framework from which to answer the question: “Do I stay or go?”
Committing to working on the relationship or committing to leaving the relationship is challenging. Both options have their own pitfalls. Coming to terms with the unhappiness, and making the necessary change(s) is scary. This is particularly true when children are involved, friends are shared, finances are mixed, emotional dependence, shared living space etc. Making the decision that the relationship is worth fighting for, and then doing the emotional work needed to overhaul the relationship is equally scary but for different reasons. One, you have to be open to change. Two, just because you do all the work, does not mean that your partner will, and even if he / she does, your partner may decide he / she wants out.
Below you will find all the tips written on this topic. For more specific browsing, see the "now browsing" section on the left side of the page.
Accepting your partners limitations
Techniques for accepting your partners limitations
Befriending your Ex: When is This Okay?
Are you ready to enter into a friendship with an ex? Do you know how to be friends with your ex? Here are a few important areas to considering before agreeing to a friendship.
How to care for yourself after a breakup
In the days after a break-up, we usually find ourselves in an emotional world-wind. We are not only experiencing overwhelming emotions, but also having to re-organize our lives. In those early days one needs to go back to the basics. In order to handle the stress load of a break-up one needs to take care of themselves most of all.
Improving Relationships
Improving Relationships - requires taking action. How to take the initiative.
Separation with Adult Children
This is a vignette about the emotional impact a parent's separation can have on their child, even when the separation occurs later in life and the child is now an adult.
Shacking up: Should I or Shouldn’t I?
You know your goal with your partner is marriage, and possibly one day have children, but you're not ready to get engaged. Right now, all you are trying to do is figure out “should I or shouldn't I shack up?”