The Marriage (Partner) Relationship

The Marriage (Partner) Relationship
Robert Heard, MA

Perhaps one of the most complex challenges for mankind is the interpersonal relationship. As we move through our lives, especially adult lives, we encounter many different kinds of relationships. Here, at ACT Professional Counseling, also known as ACT Professional Marriage Counseling, we see marriage (partner) relationships as being vital and work hard to see them succeed. As we see break up rates and divorce rates soar, we need to understand the various components of a successful relationship in order for this not to happen to our relationships. This is ACT Professional Counseling’s recipe for a successful marriage (partner) relationship.

As we view marriage (partner) relationships using the using the analogy of a pyramid, we have several important building blocks. These start at the bottom of the pyramid.

Communication - especially active and effective listening
committment
Friendship
Having things in common
Having a healthy self-esteem
Trust in each other
Respect for each other
Intimacy
Love and Sex


What happens if one of the blocks is pulled out from the bottom of the pyramid? Of course, it falls down and needs to be rebuilt. We need to examine each of the blocks to determine their workability and to clearly understand their definition, such as, most consider intimacy to have a sexual connotation. However, intimacy is having the ability with your partner to exchange emotions and understand one another and to feel comfortable discussing personal and private events with your partner.

When all of these blocks are in line, we feel love and most likely experience sex in a very positive way. Also, communication is critical in a relationship. For example, the sexual component may not be working as well as you would wish and it is important to feel at ease in discussing this with your partner. How can both of you resolve the issue at hand unless you are able to communicate with each other. In conclusion, the final and certainly the most rewarding and vital ingredient in a relationship, is love. If you have experienced love from another person and have loved someone else, it is magical and words can never describe the overwhelming feelings and ecstasy that extends to our very soul.

Labels: marriage components

posted by Robert Heard at 10:13 PM