Compromise is a word that means “with promise”. A dispute is settled with a promise that both sides agree are mutually beneficial. An impasse is an inability to come to a compromise. Many marriages end due to irreconcilable differences. Trust is lost. Hope has deteriorated. Commitment is non-existent.
There are other marriages that attempt to negotiate the terms so that they are remaining together and enjoying some fruit of marriage. This could mean sleeping in separate beds. Deciding on an extra home where one partner spends most of the time. Or, drawing up clear rules of engagements. The best marriages have these types of extreme negotiations, but are they the healthiest way to get along in marriage?
Instead of hiring a professional negotiation or mediator, couples can indeed move towards a more sustainable solution that deepens the bonds of marriage. That involves a marital therapy approach that goes to the heart of the matter. Usually, this process assists couples to work through emotional hurt and dangerous patterns of conflict towards recreating a marriage on the new foundation of true friendship, commitment, and trust.
Today is the day to end old negotiations and begin thriving in your new season of life, together.
Remargo Yancie, LPC is a licensed psychotherapist in Washington DC. Through Central Light Counseling, he provides marriage counseling for couples that are stuck in their relational dynamics. He has the privilege of working with influencers, leaders, and helping professionals in their developments and journeys in life.