Relationship
How to resolve trust issues in a relationship
A loving relationship can be a beautiful union of two people. To achieve this goal, there are several aspects within the relationship that need to function optimally. The most important aspect is trust.
Trust is built and maintained by many small actions over time. Trust issues in a relationship can instigate fear and judgment can become clouded and doubt and suspicion may grow.
For a happy relationship to work, the people involved must be able to trust each other. Couples often wonder how to fix trust issues in a relationship or specifically how to deal with trust issues in a relationship especially, because, at the beginning of a relationship, things typically seem rosy and beautiful.
There is usually a lot of excitement and small transgressions are easily forgiven and set-aside.
Once you get past the initial infatuation, however, and the relationship begins to blossom, you truly begin to learn where the relationship is headed and a deep foundation of trust can begin to develop or diffuse.
When both people are honest, open, and trustworthy, couples can easily grow confident in the path their relationship is on within a few weeks. Within this trusting relationship, it becomes easy for them to decide what the future holds for them together.
Sometimes, unfortunately, when either one or both people in a relationship have a hard time opening their hearts to trusting one another, it can grow very frustrating.
If there is a genuine desire to build a loving relationship, however, this frustration does not have to mean the end
Every relationship hits a few roadblocks during its course. The key is to fix trust issues or anything else and work toward resolving them.
Trust issues in a relationship
A healthy relationship cannot grow without trust. Sometimes, previous life experiences can severely affect your ability to trust other people.
Sadly, many people have faced terrible disappointments in the form of heartbreaking betrayal. If you or your significant other are struggling with this issue, it is important that you work it out together.
Trust is something that has to be earned through trustworthy behaviour. Words, gifts, and promises do little to restore trust. It is the consistent trustworthy actions that count.
Mistrust can result in terrible side effects. In an environment of mistrust, you may experience higher than normal levels of anxiety, self-doubt, and a severe lack of confidence. This does not have to mean the end of your relationships. You can learn to trust people again. All you need to do is give them, and yourself, a chance.
The first thing you should do is try to identify why you or your partner have trust issues. In a kind and gentle way, you can ask “What things can I do to help me or my partner feel safer in our relationship?
Reasons there are trust issues in a relationship
If you are wondering how to overcome trust issues, you must understand the reasons for these issues in your relationship.
To be continued…
Relationship
Why aunt and uncle relationships are unique?
For the most part, people cannot choose whether or not to have a relationship with their parents. They grow up in the same house, they see each other, talk together daily, and they have an ongoing, hopefully, positive relationship.
Aunts and uncles have more freedom than parents in choosing to develop a relationship with a niece or nephew, and both must be interested in forming that bond.
Aunts and uncles desiring to be close to their nieces and nephews can choose ways to interact with them that will strengthen their relationship
1. Role model
One of the most important roles for aunts and uncles is to be a role model. A role model is someone that influences behaviour just by observing how they act. Aunts and uncles can influence their nieces and nephews just by what they do, without saying a word. Aunts can also show their nieces an example of what they may want to be.
2. Friend
Aunts and uncles can also be more of a friend with their nieces and nephews. An important quality that many nieces and nephews name in their parents’ siblings is their ability to have fun. This friendship allows the aunts and nieces (or uncles and nephews) to be involved in common activities they enjoy, such as sports or shopping.
3. Supplemental parents
One role that aunts and uncles often have that is very important is to act as supplemental parents. Aunts and uncles can be complementary to their siblings by providing additional support, to fill the needs that the parents are unable to take care of themselves. This can include providing another supportive adult that kids can go to, to do their hair before a school dance, or by helping to drive them to all the places they need to go. Uncles and aunts can also reinforce the ideas that the parents are trying to teach, such as the importance of education or being kind to your siblings.
4. Buffers between parents and children
Aunts and uncles can also act as intergenerational buffers. This means that they can help mediate the relationship between parent and child.
Instead of siding with one or the other, uncles and aunts can help each family member to try and see the other’s side of the argument.
Relationship
Love in the dark: Understanding depression’s effect on marriage and relationships
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 264 million people suffer from depression, making it a leading cause of disability globally. But what happens when depression enters the picture in our relationships, particularly in marriage?
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down. It is a serious medical condition that affects how we feel, think, and behave. In relationships, depression can manifest in different ways, such as:
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed together
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Increased irritability or mood swings
• Withdrawal from social interactions or activities
Causes of Depression in Relationships
Some common causes of depression in relationships include:
• The loss of a loved one
• A serious illness or accident
• Divorce, separation, or break-up
• Chronic physical pain
• Feeling trapped or stuck in a situation
• Low self-esteem or bullying
• Trauma or abuse
• Lack of communication or intimacy in the relationship
• Financial stress or difficulties
Symptoms of Depression in Relationships
If you are experiencing depression in your relationship, you may notice:
• Increased conflict or arguments
• Lack of intimacy or emotional connection
• Feeling disconnected from your partner
• Difficulty communicating effectively
• Loss of interest in shared activities
• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about the future of the relationship
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems
The Impact of Depression on Marriage
Depression can have a significant impact on relationship and marriage, affecting not just the individual but also the relationship as a whole. Some common effects of depression on marriage include:
• Strained communication and conflict
• Lack of intimacy and emotional connection
• Feelings of resentment or frustration
• Difficulty solving problems or making decisions together
• Feeling isolated or disconnected from each other
Seeking Help
The good news is that depression is treatable. If you are struggling with depression in your relationship, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your symptoms and strengthen your relationship.
Some effective treatments for depression include:
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Medication
• Lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management
Supporting a Partner with Depression
If your partner is struggling with depression, there are ways you can support them:
• Listen to them without judgment
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Offer emotional support and validation
• Help with daily tasks or responsibilities
• Encourage self-care and stress management
Depression can have a significant impact on our relationships, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms and build a stronger, healthier connection with our partners. By understanding depression and seeking help when needed, we can work towards building more resilient and fulfilling relationships.
If you or your partner are struggling with depression, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC). Our team of experienced psychotherapists and psychologists are dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate mental health challenges. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.
To be continued …
Source: Excerpts from “HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR COURTSHIP: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Marriage” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psychotherapist, Lecturer, Author, and Marriage Therapist).
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