The following content is not intended for women in physically, sexually, or emotionally abusive relationships. If you find yourself in that situation, I recommend you visit: https://www.thehotline.org/

Many women I counsel believe it's easier to put up with the pain and frustration of their relationship than to try to change it. They feel stuck and saddled with the couple's issues, often hesitant to express their feelings or tackle them head-on. This can be especially true if their attempts at change have been unsuccessful, leaving them feeling misunderstood, humiliated, and emotionally abandoned.

However, it's essential to recognize that addressing the discontent in your relationship is a vote for integrity and love. Ignoring emotional disconnection, resentment, or loneliness can have costly consequences, including eroding confidence, escalating feelings of loneliness, and sabotaging your sense of agency and hope for the future.

Decades of swallowing pain and emotional disconnection can lead to layers of resentment and negatively impact our health and mental well-being. This can also affect our children, as research has shown that children of couples who exhibit hostility have elevated stress levels, impacting their social and academic functioning.

The good news is that it’s never too late to initiate change and potentially improve your relationship with yourself and your partner. Often it starts with finding a safe place to cultivate clarity on maneuvering through your problematic relationship. Resources such as Rethinking Life and Love, a trusted therapist or mentor are just a few options. What is your next step as you contemplate how to cast a ballot for yourself and your relationship?