Transitions affect relationships, causing them to change with time. No matter how long you’ve been with your partner, you will have experienced some sort of transition and, with it, a change in your relationship. You both are different people than when your relationship began so the ability to change and grow is not only good but something to anticipate.
When a relationship begins, there is so much we don’t know about ourselves and about each other. The journey to find answers can be exciting and challenging, but well worth the time you invest. The key to growing a healthy relationship and weathering transitions well is communication anchored in respect, trust, understanding, curiosity, and empathy.
If you are in a relationship, especially if you are officially a couple, you and your significant other may experience transitions and major life changes when you
• Decide to marry, commit to your partner, and bring your lives and your families together
• Climb the career ladder or change careers, causing you both to make adjustments as roles, time commitments, and responsibilities change
• Decide to have children and change the family dynamics as you welcome this new family member and adjust to new responsibilities as parents
• Start raising children and face the challenges of parenting and creating your own set of traditions, rituals, rules, and guidelines
• Become sandwiched between school-aged children and aging parents, and then try to balance your time and energy between everyone who needs you
• Experience an empty nest and a chance to renew and strengthen your connection and make plans for your future as a couple
• Have retirement conversations, sharing hopes and dreams about your future without work
Transitions affect relationships. Learn to ask the right questions as you explore each of these transitions in your life and you will come away with a deep understanding of and appreciation for your partner and your relationship. Contact me to find out how to make your next life or work transition a success.