What Stage Is Your Relationship In?
Every relationship, whether you’ve been together forever or are just starting out, can benefit from some TLC. Romantic partners, straight or same-sex, exclusive, polyamorous or consensually non-monogamous all have one thing in common- the need for healthy, validating connection. Every healthy relationship requires a secure connection and an equal exchange of energy without which it may wither.
Relationships can challenge our felt sense of safety, values, agendas and perspectives; they are an extension of our rich and varied histories. The family dynamics in which we grew up, our attachment style, values, previous relationship experiences, insecurities, strengths, wants, needs and expectations influence everything that happens within a relationship. Therapy can include exploration of values alignment, conflict dynamics, trust recovery, communication styles, sexual preferences and orientation, gender identity, pre-commitment planning and more.
Every relationship has a developmental arc and each stage has its own challenges and strengths.
Regardless of what phase your relationship is in, there are some truths about what it takes to keep it good or make it better:
- be willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone
- listen to your partner’s perspective
- make repairs when you goof up
- respond when your partner reaches out to you
- remember your partner *isn’t* you…they have their own perspective and experience
- go to therapy when you get stuck