When stress levels are high empathy tends to be very low. This is especially true in the most intimate relationships. Stress shows up in an intimate relationship when partners begin to doubt each other. Central to the doubt is the uncertainty of really knowing the partner. The common belief is the partner has changed or is somebody different than who they presented themselves to be. These beliefs create an image of the partner as a stranger. Seeing the partner as a stranger heightens stress and blocks empathy. Blocking empathy prevents empathic communication from happening.
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April 15, 2014
by Casey Truffo, LMFT
There are a multitude of reasons why people remain silent, even when something in a relationship is really bothering them. Maybe you dislike conflict. You think you score points by always saying the right thing. Or maybe you have a tendency to downplay your own concerns, because living with them is easier than risking offending your partner or even making them angry and causing tension between the two of you.
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When a loss hits you, people are at a loss as to what to do, what to say, how to help. If you yourself have suffered a loss what did you most need from others? Think about how you wanted people to respond and ask yourself if that would fit in the current scenario. If you have not suffered a loss, ask yourself the same question, if it did happen what would you like from others.
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February 3, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Relationships experience varying degrees of health. The survival of the relationship is totally dependent upon the willingness and ability of the two people involved to nurture, grow, develop and protect it.
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