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May 10, 2010
Getting Un-Stuck
By Jennine Estes
Relationships are full of ups and down, ins and outs. Some couples
get caught on the “down” side and fall into the nasty hole of
disconnection, loneliness, and dullness. In many ways, it can feel as
if being stuck in a bottom of a ditch; nothing to grab onto to climb
out, and the more work to dig your way out, the more dirt falls in.
Many couples try to make repair attempts to climb their way out of the
deep hole, but the more it barriers them with more issues to work
through. Does any of this sound familiar?
Getting caught in a ditch with no tools and no ladder, can be
exhausting. Couples simply need a bit of hope and team work to help
them climb their way out. Here are a few simple steps you can do to
begin spicing up your relationship and climbing out of the ditch:
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Get out of Routine: Many couples fall into
routine, get used to the fact that they have a partner, and over look
nurturing the relationship. Stop watching television nightly, stop
making sex a routine, and stop waiting on your partner. Find a way to
surprise your partner and do something different.
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Get Re-energized: Begin creating excitement and
energy in your life by focusing on you. Take your lunch break and meet
up with a friend, or get energy by joining a group, or start a new
hobby. Any sense of energy is better than no energy. The excitement
you have in your personal life can boost your motivation to crawl out
of the pit.
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Talk about it: Begin a conversation about being
stuck; share with one another about what it is like to be stuck in the
ditch, talk about things that might help you two get motivated, and
problem solve about other options for climbing out.
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Comfort one another: When you two have been trying
to dig your way out, it can get tough. Hold and comfort one another
while going through the tough times. Tell your partner that you two
will find a way to get out. Remember, you aren’t the only one stuck
in the ditch.
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Look for the Good Stuff: When the disconnection is
overwhelming and the energy is low, the optimistic thoughts dwindle
away. Take an active approach and look for the good stuff in the
relationship. Think positive and shift your thoughts from doubtful to
hopeful.
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Seek Professional Help: When the tough gets going,
and the digging only makes things worse, it is time to start yelling
for someone to help you find a way out. A professional, such as a
couple’s therapist, isn’t stuck in the ditch and can toss down a rope
to help you climb out.
By Jennine Estes, MFT. Copyright © 2010 Jennine Estes, used with permission. All rights reserved.
Read more from Jeanine at RelationshipsInTheRaw.com
Read more at www.growthtrac.com
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