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A happy marriage isn’t about not having conflicts. Conflicts are part of every relationship, especially for couples who live together. Part of making it work is living with each other’s differences. This can breed conflict. The longer you live under one roof, the more reasons you have to argue, especially when children are added into the equation.

Disagreeing is inevitable, but your disagreement doesn’t have to grow into a major conflict that threatens to destabilize your relationship. Conflict does not have to be unhealthy or mean the end of your relationship. 

Even when you love each other, your relationship requires hard work. Is there hope for a lasting marriage? Yes, there is. If you are eager to make your marriage work, don’t avoid conflicts. Face them in a healthy way and be proactive in seeking the help of a counselor.

Understanding Marital Conflicts

“Conflict is inevitable and unavoidable in any relationship—especially marriage,” says Focus on the Family. It is normal to have conflicts with your partner, because you are two different people raised with different family cultures, beliefs, and values. These differences are not bad, but they can cause conflicts if not addressed.

Too often minor inconveniences are avoided, such as the garbage not being taken out or the toothpaste on the mirror. We avoid addressing concerns until they become too big to ignore. Concerns are far easier to discuss and resolve before we fester and begin to feel resentful. 

Not all conflicts start big. Most are minor issues that are ignored to avoid confrontation. If you resolve them earlier, they won’t build up. The problem is that communication is hard. A marriage counselor can help you learn to communicate and handle disagreements before they become serious.

Communication: Building Healthy Interaction

As a couple, you have probably received advice from people you know about what worked for them in their marriages. It may also work for you, or not. No two relationships are the same.

Effective communication is important in all relationships; however, it isn’t always easy. Communication skills are learned, they don’t magically appear. If communicating your needs and feelings is difficult for you, you are in good company! Talking about difficult things is hard for most people. Counseling can provide a safe setting to learn and grow your skills. 

Experiencing a Happier Marriage

For marriage to work, teamwork is necessary. Ideally, both partners are willing to seek help, but this is not a perfect world. If your spouse is unwilling to see a marriage counselor, you can still work on your marriage with the help of a counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC.

A skilled therapist can help you build positivity in your relationship that may help elicit a positive response from your spouse. Counseling can also guide you through the tough times. Remember that struggles can make you and your spouse stronger as individuals. With the help of a counselor, you can grow closer and stronger together.

What’s in store for your marriage? No one knows, but you can make it stronger by taking a positive and proactive step with CCS. Call today to get started.