Will Horn, Intern Counselor, MSOE Counseling Services
May 2009
College often marks a time when individuals leave their families to begin their own life. This time is marked with new experiences and relationships. While college often serves as a means to make new friends it can also serve as a means of meeting one's girl or boyfriend. However, many if not all relationships are not always without their difficulties. This newsletter, based off a recent article in the April edition of Psychology Today, is devoted towards exploring some of the seemingly small irritants in relationships that often actually become big issues. This article serves as a follow-up to April's newsletter and contains the remaining five common irritations in relationships.
Five More Areas of Irritation in Relationships
Not Feeling Intimate
- The daily stresses of life may lead to a lack of intimacy between couples.
- It is important to find ways to meet the needs of each other through communication.
- Remember to take time out of your busy schedule to share time together.
- A partner who flirts often feels a lack of closeness and intimacy.
- Ask yourself what you could be doing differently to meet your partner's needs so that they are feeling fulfilled.
- Oftentimes in relationships there are clashes between personalities.
- Understand and accept the differences between your partner and yourself...it is OK.
- It is important to realize that our partner may not have the same needs as we do. Communication is key to fulfilling what each partner would like from the other.
- Oftentimes there are struggles between partner's competing interests on such things such as what movie to see or where to go to dinner.
- It is important to divide responsibilities and time equally based upon each partner's preferences, abilities, likes and dislikes.
- Agree to do it your way sometimes and your partner's way other times. Negotiation is a key component of a lasting relationship.
- Day to day irritations may lead to criticism. It is important to recognize when criticism is occurring and move the communication style from destructive mode to a more constructive mode.
- It is important to understand how you would feel in your partner's position and how you would react.
- Read the article regarding relationships in the April 2009 edition ofPsychology Today.
- For 101 relationship tips, check out the affirmations for success website.
- If you have questions or would like to talk more about relationships, you can make an appointment to see a counselor or health services. Call Counseling Services at (414) 277-7590, Health Services at (414) 277-7590, or stop by our office located on the 2nd floor of the Kern Center.
MSOE Counseling Services creates monthly newsletters on mental health concerns and psychological issues. You can view the complete list of downloadable Counseling Services Newsletters.
MSOE Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Kern Center (K-230). To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (414) 277-7590 or visit the Counseling Services homepage.