Take out today’s to-do list and scan it for where the people you care most about are listed. 

Not there?

I agree with you. Your wife, husband, partner, children, grandparents, grandchildren and bestie don’t need to go on the list as they’re always there.

But are they?

It’s fair enough that the following elements of life’s journey take priority at times: 

• newborns and growing hungry, noisy children that then need to be driven everywhere!
• earning the big bucks to retire early, or just trying to stay afloat to keep the family alive
• caring for elderly family members
• refining your abs, or just trying to knock off a few kgs

…. The list goes on!

A common theme faced by couples in my counselling room include the well-dressed power couple in their early 40’s, Valma and Brett. They’ve both previously been married and share custody of their combined number of four children aged between four and sixteen. They arrive with difficulties navigating co-parenting, finding quality time together and managing conflict.

It is natural for such couples to profess, “My children will always come first to me”. There’s nothing wrong with this, however, your primary relationship with your partner is that which nurtures and supports you the most, and ultimately helps you be a better parent. Whilst each child in your family may feature specific challenges that require attention, blended families fare better when the couple relationship is prioritised which avoids unnecessary alliances. The couple back each other, have shared resources and find clarity in who disciplines who and when etc. Having a safe emotional foundation from which each partner can rely in the tough role as a parent is fundamental!

Of course, this applies to parents of all types of families.

Putting your relationship first is a daily intention that does not necessarily mean hard work! Talk with your partner about maintaining the health of your bond. Prioritising your relationship’s well-being will give you both more strength to tend to the needs of your business, children and everything else.

Some will say, “All my long hours at work are for my family.” It sure is a swing versus a work/life balance.  Ensure this belief is not tied to your identity. This can result in losing those special to you whilst focussing only on the things you can see such as your money and defining those muscles at the gym.

The emotional safety from your intimate partnership and the love and support from your family and buddies provide the launch pad to your success! 
​

​Joanne Wilson is the facilitator of the Relationship Rejuvenator online mini-courses and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). Find out more at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com

The 10-Day Relationship Recharge is back by popular demand and open now for registration!

​Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash

Have the recent bizarre years extinguished your energy for passion and romance? You wouldn’t be the only one to have found yourself suffering from a bad case of “flat-mate syndrome”. Maybe you’re even struggling to make conversation with the person you fell head-over-heels with many moons ago or getting down and flirty together is a distant memory.
 
Valentine’s Day is the perfect cue to invigorate your relationship with these strategies for the whole year to get that head-over-heels feeling back in your relationship. Don't just leave it at one day.
 
1. Complete yourself first
 
Check that you are head-over-heels in love with yourself first. Are you relying on your partner to “complete you” with fancy displays of adoration? Whilst many of us can be a total sucker for flowers and any form of romance any day of the week, a healthy contribution to the relationship is founded on a healthy sense of self first.  

Both partners need to be resilient and open to constructive “feedback” from each other in a non-blaming way to learn and grow together. Only then can you enjoy a flourishing and dynamic relationship featuring someone wonderfully matched to the best version of you! 
 
2. A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles

Seeking a divine miracle to transform your relationship? It is so easy to fall prey to a mindset that focuses on criticism and even contempt. Experiment with the gift of gratitude either together or for your partner by writing a list of your 20 favourite things you have loved about the other, then read them out loud. Your praise can be about anything from their appearance and achievements to their personality, hobbies or quirks. Including "intrinsic" words of affirmation benefits couples far more than just "extrinsic" praise (appearance). Be honest and glow with admiration for each other.

​3. Go soul-gazing

Forget the cheesy stargazing and go “soul-gazing”. Face each other in a seated position. Keep your knees close to touching and hold eye contact for 5 minutes. Avoid talking, burping, gas emissions and welcome the awkwardness. Background music is optional. Once you've perfected this, experiment with other seated positions or lying down. Extended eye contact (with someone that you have positive feelings toward) is scientifically proven to increase feelings of connection and intimacy.

​4. Get out of the comfort of your discomfort
 
Neuroscience reveals that we stay captive to unhelpful routine behaviours purely because it is easier to keep doing them versus risk something new. Now is the time to throw comfort zones out the window! Plan something completely novel to reinvigorate your routine, not just this week but at least once every month. Here are some examples: acting classes, soap carving, interpretive dancing, geocaching,  square-dancing, basket weaving, noodling (either the musical or fishing type), nude model painting or pottery to the Ghost movie soundtrack? Life is too short to stay in the comfort of the lacklustre discomfort.
 
5. Love Coupons
 
This is where you commit to performing self-sacrificing acts for your beloved you might not necessarily enjoy. You write, “This coupon entitles the holder to ……(your partner’s choice), or one-foot rub, one evening in with….., a meal cooked for you, a night out with the lads/gals, King/Queen of the remote control, breakfast in bed, vacuum your car. These little things mean so much. They’re redeemable for any time until next Valentine’s Day, or you can add fine print with a shorter expiry date for those you’re hoping to get out of. 
 
6. Be selfless to allow a selfish session

Take turns granting each other an intimate selfish session! When it is your turn, dictate to your partner your desires. It is your time, moment to moment chosen by you to be pleasured by your partner. Respect each other's boundaries but make it your mission to relish in and please each other.

​7. Pump someone else’s heart
 
It is a sobering thought to imagine how many cannot celebrate Valentine’s Day as they’re fighting for their lives. No one has been untouched by a sudden accident or cancer in some shape or form. Why not donate some of your healthy platelets to those fighting the battle or a patient who may need it for surgery. Importantly, your brain will light up with happiness by spreading the love beyond your relationship, creating a ripple effect from the gift of your health and well-being!
 
Joanne Wilson is the facilitator of the Relationship Rejuvenator online mini-courses and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). Find out more at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com

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​What is the one major common denominator I notice that inhibits a healthy approach to conflict?
 
Humans. Yes – you.
 
Confronting, right? Rarely do we have the headspace to point the finger at ourselves when it comes to arguments with our partners.
 
Why?
 
Whilst I am sure you are wonderfully unique, kind and fabulous like me, our human nature includes an inherent self-serving bias to get our own way. It also inhibits our ability to consider another person’s reasonable or wild and ridiculously different perspective to our own. Yes, that’s right, our spouse is allowed to disagree with us.
 
Firstly, time for some self-examination. This requires checking your self-worth, self-assurance, and self-determination. How is your self-image? Do you have high self-esteem? Is there a healthy level of self-love?
 
Why all the self-reflection?
 
Because therein lies your ability to bravely delve into the criticism of others, particularly your “chosen one”. Yes, the one you decided to pair up with for the long-term for richer or poorer.

When you doubt yourself, find it hard to love yourself or even loathe yourself, self-defensiveness will dominate and disable your ability to (here’s the big one…) seek further information about any constructive feedback, criticism or (here’s the bigger one…) a completely different opinion than yours!
 
The greatest goal for a relationship counsellor is to coach couples in the fine art of delivering feedback in a non-blaming way for it to be received that way. This is super tricky when my clients don’t even like themselves, let alone each other.
 
When your self-esteem is so low and you are feeling so down on yourself, you are extremely sensitive to criticism or feedback of any time, of any type. It is difficult for you to lean in and ask questions to clarify what your partner is trying to tell you. Whilst you can blame your partner for denigrating any sense of confidence, the responsibility lies with you knowing what you deserve.
 
Self-criticism fosters self-defence and self-justification. These are not ingredients to support a healthy approach to conflict.  The basic framework is:

• Hear something you don't like?
• Lean in, respectfully ask a question
• Seek clarification.
  

Who on earth would want to know more about how you are going about things the wrong way? Not me either, however it is worth it because that is what living with other humans is all about.
 
It is a tough phase in the year when we are all feeling a little worn down by the recent few years. Despite seeing the flags marking the finish line for the end of the year, many are “flagging”!
​

 
What to do?
 
Self-worth: I urge and encourage you to nurture you. Carve out time for self-compassion every day. Just a moment of peace, of relaxation or exercise or all of that! Whatever gives your soul some respite for you to bravely surge forward, particularly during the differences with your partner so you can respectfully turn toward them in the face of adversity to learn and grow together .
 
1. What are two activities you can engage or re-engage in just for you this week? (If you have children, what level of self-love to they deserve being mentored by?)

Self-control for self-regulation: Anticipate that your emotions will be triggered during conflict.

2. What two strategies can you plan that you will employ when you notice your heartbeat rise during your next conflict that helps you pause and respond versus react in ways you will regret? Is it meditation, breathing, skipping, nurturing self-talk? 

Any improvements about the self, require self-determination so get to it!
 
Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more on her online courses at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com 

​Photo by Andrik Langfield on Unsplash

We've all heard that "Jealousy is a curse"! You may have also read that "Envy is the art of counting another's blessings instead of your own." 

How about this one?
 "A flower never thinks of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms".

Jealousy wilts your relationships.

The most well known form of jealousy is the sense of rivalry and suspicion. The unpleasant apprehension of infidelity.

Interestingly, what I commonly notice amongst couples I work with is their envy of each other's:
- amount of spare time
- natural talent and skills
- advantageous upbringing
- self esteem
- earning capacity
- easier work life with greater pay?

Any of these examples evident in your garden of love?  Do you notice any resentment infiltrating your relationship, causing it to wither and potentially die?

If so, although often unpleasant, be grateful as these emotions are a gift!

Uncomfortable feelings as a result of jealousy are a clue or "alert button" to what is really going on such as:
-  fear,
- comparison
- stress
- insecurity?

For example, do you long to have the trusting close friendships your partner enjoys? Why not explore the associated emotions? Is it an invitation to courageously entertain the idea of being vulnerable to make new friends for a support network of your own?

Maybe you wish you had as much downtime your partner has? Do you need to have a respectful discussion around roles and responsibilities and any feelings of being "ripped off" or "worn down"?

Why not direct feelings of envy or jealousy into motivation and change toward a blazing and colourful landscape with no regrets.  Don't let it choke you and your relationship.

Use it for a driving force!  Give yourself the permission to unpack jealousy with curiosity. Start trail blazing alongside your life partner and stand proudly alongside all the other tall poppies. That's what you deserve.

TIME FOR A MUCH NEEDED POSITIVE INJECTION INTO YOU RELATIONSHIP? The much loved, 10-Day Relationship Recharge is back.  If your relationship isn’t working for you, don’t give up on it yet!  I can help you find that elusive spark, communicate better and rediscover the intimacy you crave in just 10 days. And the best part? You can do this without your partner! (You can of course do it together if you’d like). LEARN MORE.

Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more on her online courses at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com 

​Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

Jane and Mark are great communicators.

Their lifestyle is organised, structured and fun for their four children all under 14 years old. Despite Mark working full time and Jane part-time, all children enjoy at least two activities outside school hours each week. One child has special needs and attends additional therapies. Despite this, their lifestyle ticks along extremely well. Jane and Mark have rarely argued throughout their 16-year marriage.

Why then, were they in my counselling room?

Gorgeous and articulate Jane described her painful feelings of disconnection and loneliness. Mark bravely recounted his continual disappointed with the lack of intimacy in the bedroom. Together, we unveiled that their communication was lacking depth and intimacy.

The team at Focus on the Family recently alerted me to the very apt term, “In-too-me-see” by Erwin Raphael McManus.

We long to be truly “seen”. Real intimacy makes us feel alive. We love being talked to, not at. We flourish when spoken to in a respectful, kind and caring tone - even when we disagree. It is such a gift when our partner takes the time to ask questions for clarification to help us truly understand ourselves and ask for what we need.
​
Meaningful communication also includes being courageously vulnerable to push beyond past hurts to reveal what is really going on? 

Do you allow your partner in?
​
I collaborated with Jane and Mark who:

• Became timely with their communication to be honest with their feelings of frustration, sadness, or desires.
• Intentionally set aside 15 minutes per day (each and every day) without interruptions.
• Established stricter boundaries to avoid prioritising the children over their own couple needs.

​They found excitement and passion to be doing life not just alongside each other but entwined! They now take the time to peer into the depths of each other’s soul to really see each other there.
 
Celebrate Marriage Week with me on Saturday 18 September at a free webinar discussing, “Intimacy is not just physical” with Kate and Brett Ryan of Focus on the Family.

​Secure your spot  HERE.

Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more on her online courses at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com 

​Photo by Anh Henry Nguyen on Unsplash

Have you ever struggled to comprehend or accept your partner’s previous life before you? Maybe they can’t handle your horrible histories?

​Welcome to Part 2 of my Top 10 Worst Relationship Mistakes Series. Here are some particularly challenging topics I’ve noticed when you can’t get past your spouse’s past:

They’ve:​

• - lied or covered up mistakes from their family, friends or previous partner
• - cheated on people
• - had more sexual partners than you'd have preferred
• - retained very close associations with their previous partner’s family or friends

Questions you might naturally ask yourself:

• Are they a better lover than me?
• Will they leave me or lie to me like they’ve done before?
• Will they repeat past behaviours as they still mix with the same friends?

 ​

10 successful tips that have helped couples I've worked with overcoming the demons of their past:

1. Slow down dating habits. Get to know your partner by shared experiences, holidays with a few stressful moments along the way to see how you respond as a team together.
2. Observe your partner’s habitat. From which environment were they raised? Was it healthy, connected and loving or neglectful and abusive? This may contribute to their behaviours today.
3. Consider if your partner was/is self-medicating for? Do they use alcohol and drugs to numb any emotional pain or trauma? Have they shown personal growth and tenacity to overcome this?
4. Do they display sincere remorse and empathy for any previous cheating behaviours?
5. Consider if your retroactive jealousy stems from insecurity, low self-worth and a sense of inadequacy? Do you compare yourself to them?
6. Employ healthy boundaries around the family, friends or children of your partner. These people may be in your life for a very long time so expressing kindness and respect to the situation is beneficial for all.
7. Repress = obsess! Avoid bottling in your concerns so you're less likely to be obsessing over them. Be vulnerable to share your worries with your partner and ask for validation.
8. Intentionally use the power of your mind to overcome toxic thoughts to release forgiveness for yourself for your past. Harness ruminating unhelpful thought patterns either with a therapist or research effective strategies yourself.
9. Consider if you are overlooking that you too have a past?
10. Remember there is a reason why there is a past.... so you can enjoy a future together! 

 
Don’t forget to check out Jo's Facebook Lives on Relationship Rehab with Jo to inject some relational inspirations into your week!
 
Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more about her latest relationships mini-course intake at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com Early-bird pricing concludes 21 August 2021.

​Welcome to the “Top 10 Worst Relationship Mistakes” series as noticed in the counselling room. You are welcome to enjoy this also from personal experience as a married relationship therapist who is living and breathing the wondrous relationship reality!
 
Not only have I made many of these mistakes myself, but it is helpful to be reminded that we have our “best attempts to cope” with relationship situations, and I believe we are not inherently mean! 

This series does not include malicious behaviours such as narcissism or those that result in abuse from being under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Whilst these are massive mistakes, this series reflects those common errors that undermine great relationship dynamics. 
 
To kick off this series, let’s go with a so very important topic:

Leaving it to one person to initiate Intimacy. The focus here is not just sex, but touch of any form such as cuddles, rubs, cute little slaps, tickles – any form of physical connection!
 
Stereotypes would assume that blokes will always be the one to initiate sex, however this truly isn’t the case. There are thousands of libidinous females out there who long for the touch of their partner and for all sorts of reasons aren’t able to enjoy this.
 
For either sex, when it is always left to them to physically reach out for love, it eventually results in rejection, then even symptoms of grief.
 
The beautiful dialogues that I have the privilege of hearing in the counselling room, include the sense of vulnerability, fulfillment, heightened sense of masculinity or femininity that results when there is mutual and consensual enjoyment through intimacy.
 
Unless it is otherwise arranged, why not check in with your partner on their level of fulfillment on who is kicking things off in the bedroom, the kitchen or wherever is a good place for you to enjoy contact?

Take this chance to enjoy a healthy conversation on:
- What does sexual fulfillment mean?
- In their opinion, who usually initiates intimacy?
- What flirtatious activities do you appreciate outside the bedroom?
- What's on your Intimacy Wish List?
 
Check out this series on my Instagram TV channel  and the Podcast!
 
Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com 

Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash

It is a wonderful gift to navigate an uncertain world knowing someone “has our back” despite our flaws, failings and mistakes. We fare much better when we share the load of life’s challenges with a significant other. 

Healthy intimacy was beautifully described by one of my mentors as being “naked to the soul”. It is a realisation of our inherent design to submit with vulnerability to enjoy a sense of safety and security based on trust.

This connection means we can count on and turn to our loved one for support and love. We flourish when we allow people into our emotional world and share physical and spiritual intimacy with our partner, facilitating an inexplicably beautiful and mysterious bond. This week is a comprehensive approach to this very important topic that could well improve your own mental health. 

The common snags that cause intimacy to fade are:​

Why did she go to great lengths to lie to me for so long?”
 
“How do I know my husband’s deceit  won’t hurt me again?”
 
“I just don’t trust her.”
 
“How could he  not have considered the horrific consequences?”
 
“Do leopards change their spots?”
 
…. All valid and heart wrenching questions when trust is broken.
 
Trust is an essential element of a relationship. When this is compromised, it can have a devastating ripple effect on not only the relationship, but business, finances, children and extended family.
 
Breach of trust manifests in so many different forms. Aside from infidelity, I most commonly notice it around:

• Business finances
• Hiding household expenditure
• Gambling
• Social media use
• Pornography

 
Relationships thrive on a secure foundation knowing that our partner has our back, is authentic and can be counted on.  The most satisfying aspect as a counsellor is giving hope to an injured partner that trust can be regained. We can rediscover a safe and loving bond with their partner in a second relationship (with the same person!).
 
The main goal when I’m presented with a couple like Barb and Bill who arrive on the brink of “Splitsville” following a massive breach of trust; is emotional safety.
 
Barb and Bill worked in a health and beauty business together. As an expert bookkeeper, Barb managed the finances. Like many organisations that took a “hit” during COVID, Barb started raising invoices for items that were not authentic to reallocate money and cover up financial mistakes she had made.
 
Deep down, Barb’s intentions were good. Bill worried a lot. He was already stressed about his elderly mothers' illness. One mistake lead to another and they were drowning in debt. Barb was eventually "busted" after Bill discovered some gaping holes in one of their accounts -  all was revealed.  Well, nearly all. It was difficult for Barb to talk about the extent to which she had deceived Bill and about how much. This deepened his mistrust.
 
Bill moved out and sought to end the relationship. Naturally, he felt if he couldn’t trust Barb on this topic, could he trust her at all about anything?
 
This is another example of a catastrophic loss for a guy like Bill. Barb made a few poor decisions that rapidly spiralled into her web of deceit that spun out of control.
 
Bill fell into a deep depression questioning if he could trust anyone in the world? He couldn’t trust the love of his life, his Dad had passed away, and his Mum was dreadfully ill in isolation.
 
As with many couples, I highlighted our human need that thrives on certainty and hope. The pandemic removed that for quite a long time (and continues to!). It adds pressure, resulting in desperate measures and for many, a far less, best version of ourselves.
 
This was no excuse but certainly contributed to the demise of many relationships in the recent twelve months.
 
Barb and Bill had two children. Mostly for their sake, they turned toward each other and sought to repair their relationship.
 
Over a few months in couple’s counselling:

• I coached Barb to recognise the importance of complete transparency with her time, her work and every aspect of her life in order to regain trust. (Trust is not an on/off switch. It can take years. Barb  isn’t required to remain accountable for the remainder of their relationship but imperative during this intense time of rebuilding their connection.)
• Bill learnt to overcome his hesitancy to check-in and question Barb at any time to regain safety.
• Barb learnt to share her feelings with Bill. (During our therapy, she unveiled her fear of failure, stemming from her regretful tendency to continually seek approval from her highly successful father.)
• Bill employed stress management strategies including short bursts of designated time away from the business and engaged a business coach to keep him accountable to a new healthy regime and direction for the business. He now plays squash each week with a friend and now drinks alcohol moderately only on weekends.
• Using intentional “declarative statements”  Barb reiterated she could be trusted again.  Bill commenced the process of choosing to forgive Barb.
• Barb is still trying to forgive herself.
• The children are doing well and thankful to be living with both loving parents still in the same house.

 
Thankfully, this was another couple that found safety in uniting  together again where they loved each other despite a stressful year featuring a pandemic, illness and financial stress.
 
As you approach this weekend, consider:

• Are you hiding anything from your spouse?
• If so, do you find it taxing to avoid being truthful?
• If your partner has breached your trust, have they been truly remorseful and have you forgiven them?
• Do you cope well with stress?
• Do you feel emotionally safe in your relationship that you can count on them? If not, why not?

As humans, no one is blameless. Every single one of us has fallen prey to temptation and made some ghastly mistakes we thought were a good idea at the time.

If required, gift yourself the freedom of forgiveness.
 
Despite our flaws, there are some incredible people out there. One of them might be the person you’re in a relationship with right now, so go give them a physical or virtual kiss and hug now!
 
P.S. Whilst leopards can’t change their spots, humans CAN make mistakes, CAN  achieve transformational change and CAN be forgiven.
 
Join me in my next 10-day Challenge to commence re-engineering your approach to communication and conflict. It doesn’t require two people - so watch this space!
 
Don’t forget to diarise my Facebook Lives each Therapeutic Thursday morning for Thriving Relationships to inject some relational inspirations into your weekend!
 
Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com 

Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash

​
​Are you married to “Lazy bones, “Good-for-nothing Gladys” or “Layabout Larry”?

These are just a few of the terms (I’ve omitted the worse ones) often to describe spouses in the counselling room.

On one hand, it is so great to have that friend who is so laid back, you need a spot fire to to rouse them into action.  They are just so chilled out, so mellow, it is enviable. 

On the other hand, being married to that person can be a different thing. This person could be termed as “enough oriented”. That’s right. They are living in the moment doing just enough to get by and often, less than enough. 

Compare this with your frenzied lover who is frantically hurtling themselves through every day, planning this, over-achieving that and find it abhorrent to sit down. These people could be termed “more-oriented”. They don’t just live in the moment but continually planning for the future - and beyond!

How about some in between? Perfect!

However, hard to achieve.

Because opposites attract.

When the oxytocin wears off.

Add a mortgage/s and children...

It’s incredibly annoying!

I’m talking about not only differences in personality styles here but the challenge of a different work ethic to your partner.

Consider Jill the stay-at-home Mum married to John the GP. They initially met working in a hospital when Jill was a nurse. Back then, she supplemented the household income whilst John was at med school. Fast forward, he’s highly stressed from managing two clinics, three mortgages, four older children with one left at home. Jill has taken her foot off the pedal resulting in John coming home to an unkept house and a consistent lack of clean matched socks. There is little on her agenda except the shopping and the next Netflix episode. John felt embarrassed to invite colleagues home due to the state of the house.

That’s not fair you say!

Courageously, they arrived to the counselling couch out of frustration and anger. With time and compassion, we unveiled:

• John was unable to deliver his disappointment in a kind and respectful manner.
• John’s stress resulted in angry and frustrated outbursts.
• Jill felt increasingly disrespected and continued to feel unheard and afraid and immobilised.
• Jill was most unlikely to therefore desire intimacy.
• John felt rejected and even more frustrated.
• Jill’s time home as a Mum had her feeling unskilled with little self esteem to return to the workforce.
• Jill’s family background meant she had a different work-ethic to John. They valued a less stressful life that meant less income but more time to spend with each other.

You’ll be relieved to know, Jill and John successfully regained connection and intimacy following six sessions discussing  their feelings,  concerns and practical exercises at home.

Together we found a healthy approach to sharing a united approach moving forward where they embraced their “enough versus more orientation”.

They came to respect their respective upbringings that contributed to their approaches and ultimately found their differences novel and complementary like they had initially appreciated about each other.

Jill commenced volunteer work that led to employment in working with the disabled. Together they refinanced, sold some assets and are now an enviable loved-up couple their children are mentoring from. They are impacting generations and showing them how to do it!

Whilst you don’t need to accomplish every task the same, you aren’t expected to work for the other! You will have challenging seasons where one carries a heavier load through sickness and adversity but overall this should be a united, supportive and equal partnership.

This weekend, consider if you have a varied work-ethic and why? Are you able to communicate any frustrations with kindness and respect. Maybe you need to check if your partner believes you contribute with equality.

"Relationship torment is epic when you and your partner have a vastly different work ethic."

Join me in my next 7-day Challenge to commence re-engineering your approach to communication and conflict. It doesn’t require two people - so watch this space!
 
In the meantime, you can jump onto my “Communicate For Love” mini-course NOW that teaches this process indepth from the comfort of your own home. No trips to the Counselling room, no parking – just you at your own pace, navigating a new healthy approach to conflict!
 
Don’t forget to diarise my Facebook Lives each Therapeutic Thursday morning for Thriving Relationships to inject some relational inspirations into your weekend!
 
Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com