When entering into a relationship, decide what are the non-negotiable qualities that you refuse to sacrifice (for example, your religion) and find a partner who meets those criteria from the start. Also, decide the things you are willing to compromise on (i.e. where you will live), and those things that you are willing to sacrifice (number of children). If you are unclear on what items you are flexible on and those that you will not forgo, you may be entering into a relationship that is doomed from the beginning. Because, as we all know, change is hard to do. The things that are of extreme importance to you now will likely remain extremely important throughout your life, and the same may be said for your partner.
If you are realizing late in your relationship that your partner or yourself are in conflict about unwillingness to change, it is not too late for your relationship. Although easiest solved through pre-marital therapy, a skilled couple’s therapist can help your relationship survive what seems to be an irreparable rift. Schedule a consultation with Philadelphia MFT today!
This topic of the week was written by Danielle Adinolfi, MFT