My biggest regret is not seeking out couples therapy sooner. We were both grappling with big life decisions and both feeling unseen in the relationship in different ways, but didn’t acknowledge this to each other. It ultimately led to total collapse. Therapy has helped us rebuild, but I believe very strongly that prevention would’ve been better than a cure. It’s made me realise that all my relationships are work in progress and not to take them for granted.
I’ve always felt very comfortable talking to friends and family about it, I haven’t ever felt judged, even when we were in total crisis. Like you say, if anything it’s encouraged friends to open up about their relationships and seek help of their own.
Loving the new direction Emma, excited to hear more.
Thanks Danielle. And thanks for sharing your experiences too. I think this ‘prevention is better than the cure’ take is spot on. I’m glad to hear it’s helped you rebuild.
My partner and I didn’t seek couples therapy but did individually attend therapy when we got engaged. It just felt like the right time, before we enter into this big scary thing called marriage, let’s make sure we’re in the best place 😅
It was the best decision we ever made. And I know we’re not the only ones who’ve done it, so I really do hope it’s moving in the direction of more acceptance!
Oh no, it wasn’t top of mind for my partner either. In fact, it reached an almost breaking point of “well I’ll go if you will!” It’s definitely still more of a taboo subject for men than for women.
I agree with the “relationship MOT” metaphor, and it at least gives you the tools to have deeper and more effective conversations after the fact.
Yeah it’s just a shame it has to get to breaking point before anyone thinks it’s a good idea eh. If we took more of the MOT approach maybe we’d save some hurt all round.
My biggest regret is not seeking out couples therapy sooner. We were both grappling with big life decisions and both feeling unseen in the relationship in different ways, but didn’t acknowledge this to each other. It ultimately led to total collapse. Therapy has helped us rebuild, but I believe very strongly that prevention would’ve been better than a cure. It’s made me realise that all my relationships are work in progress and not to take them for granted.
I’ve always felt very comfortable talking to friends and family about it, I haven’t ever felt judged, even when we were in total crisis. Like you say, if anything it’s encouraged friends to open up about their relationships and seek help of their own.
Loving the new direction Emma, excited to hear more.
Thanks Danielle. And thanks for sharing your experiences too. I think this ‘prevention is better than the cure’ take is spot on. I’m glad to hear it’s helped you rebuild.
My partner and I didn’t seek couples therapy but did individually attend therapy when we got engaged. It just felt like the right time, before we enter into this big scary thing called marriage, let’s make sure we’re in the best place 😅
It was the best decision we ever made. And I know we’re not the only ones who’ve done it, so I really do hope it’s moving in the direction of more acceptance!
Yeah that’s a good alternative actually. Although sadly I don’t think my partner would have agreed to do it on his own.
He did have a few individual sessions with our couples therapist though which was good.
I definitely think it should be something everyone does in some way, shape or form before getting married.
Oh no, it wasn’t top of mind for my partner either. In fact, it reached an almost breaking point of “well I’ll go if you will!” It’s definitely still more of a taboo subject for men than for women.
I agree with the “relationship MOT” metaphor, and it at least gives you the tools to have deeper and more effective conversations after the fact.
Yeah it’s just a shame it has to get to breaking point before anyone thinks it’s a good idea eh. If we took more of the MOT approach maybe we’d save some hurt all round.