Most of us have heard this statistic:
50% of first marriages end in divorce. And for second marriages, it shoots way up to 60%.
But what makes marriage so hard?
For starters, you’re taking the personalities, histories and family dynamics of two very different people and merging them into one union. While often challenging, marriage can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
As human beings, we were made to share our lives with others.
Learning and growing together is a daily process—and getting through the rough spots is a normal part of this emotional journey.
Do you wish you could:
- Be more emotionally available?
- Learn how to live happily with your non-emotionally available spouse?
- Improve communication?
- Change your spouse’s behaviors?
- Rebuild trust and regain your spouse’s respect?
- Spend less time arguing?
- Learn how to resolve conflicts faster and easier?
- Stop “avoiding” and running when the going gets tough?
It all boils down to this:
Our partner wants to be understood—and s/he wants to matter. And while we can’t change people, what we can change is how we react to them. In doing so, their behaviors and actions evolve for the better.
So why do couples fight?
In reality, people often argue simply to be heard. I always say that anger is a secondary emotion and it’s never what you feel first. You experience a certain emotion (frustration, jealousy, loneliness, etc.) and expressing anger is how you deal with it. It’s a lot easier to just be angry than it is to feel sad or hurt.
In counseling, you learn how to identify your feelings and find more constructive ways to express them. This goes a long way toward achieving healthy problem solving, improved communication and increased respect between you and your partner.
Do you want to be in the 50% of marriages that make it?
Then don’t think of marriage counseling as a last resort. Seeking counseling is not admitting defeat— it’s realizing that there’s hope for you and your spouse. Marla from Haltom City said this, “My husband and I both see Tracy, sometimes together and sometimes individually. I always feel better when I leave her office. Thank you Tracy for helping us thru the worst times of our lives.” (you can read more testimonials here). Please set up an appointment with Fort Worth marriage counselor Tracy Crain today. Her office is located in Colleyville, just a short drive from Fort Worth.
If you and your spouse need help making your marriage work, please reach out to Tracy Crain.
