Does your partner make promises that aren’t kept?
This can create problems that create conflict, hurt your relationship satisfaction, and potentially destroy your relationship.
“It’s is a difficult topic and should be managed with great sensitivity.”
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This frustration can be heightened if your partner refuses to seek couples counseling with you.
What can you do when faced with a partner who has a serious problem ortroubling behavior?
There are no easy answers when your partner can see no reason for a change.
Some situations can be dealt with and other situations aredeal-breakers.
Only you know what it’s possible for you to tolerate and still be emotionally healthy yourself.
That said, never endanger yourself or your children by remaining in an abusive situation.
you’ve got the option to only change yourself and your own reactions.
Try responding differently to difficult situations.
If you haven’t expressed your feelings previously, share how you feel with your partner.
Ask yourself how long you think you might stay in your relationship if things don’t improve.
Decide which of your partner’snegative behaviorsyou can live with and which ones aredeal-breakers.
Determine if you’re free to adjust to the irritating and hurtful situations in your relationship.
Face The Issues
Your partner may not be as frustrated and unhappy as you are.
When sharing your love for your partner, express your concerns and fears about the future of your relationship.
If you are having doubts about your love, make a list of what you love about your partner.
Don’t postpone having a conversation with your partner.
Consider starting the conversation with the things that you appreciate about your partner.
This might involve allowing your partner to make changes on their own.
Should You End the Relationship?
At what point should a person consider ending a relationship if their partner refuses to change?
Simmons notes that ending a relationship is a difficult and personal choice.
Only you’re able to decide what is right for you.
Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
American Psychiatric Association.Helping a loved one cope with a mental illness.
Gottman J, Silver N.The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.
New York, NY: Crown Publishers; 1999.
Karney BR.Keeping Marriages Healthy, and Why It’s So Difficult.Psychological Science Agenda.
