January is often "Divorce Month" - but it doesn't have to be.

I hope 2024 is off to a great start.

However, for many people, the ones you love aren’t showing you love in return. It’s not easy to feel happy when your spouse, kids, family members or even your co-workers are stressed and taking it out on you.

Maybe you’re the one having a hard time. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, exhausted. The good news is that you can turn this around.

If you (or someone you know) is struggling, I offer you some tips and resources for healing so your year can get off to a better start.

Please join me at my next LIVE event on January 23rd at noon central:

"Should I Stay or Should I Go?" How to Start Over..

Why is January called “Divorce Month?”

It’s simple, most couples on the brink use the end of year holidays as the final chance to make their relationship work.?When hopes are dashed, disappointment sets in and feelings are hurt, it’s like the straw breaking the camel’s back. Divorce seems like the only option, but it doesn't have to be.

Often, there are 3 issues hurting relationships, they include:

(1) Failure to communicate

(2) Inability to resolve conflict

(3) Lack of empathy

(1) Failure to Communicate

Everyone has different communication needs. I like to think of them as “currencies”. We all need attention, affection, appreciation and acceptance. But we want to be loved in different ways. You may want to hear the words, see the actions or feel the connection with your beloved.?

To feel the intimacy you desire, you need to be able to safely and confidently share your truth — and feel understood and respected — as you allow your partner to do the same. This is what true intimacy is. Without it, couples feel adrift and alone.

Perhaps this is what you’re feeling now?

(2) Inability to Resolve Conflict

No two individuals can agree consistently. Resolving conflict in a positive way is one of the cornerstones of a healthy relationship. If you are constantly swallowing your truth, staying quiet to “keep the peace,” withdrawing when hurt or lashing out when angry, these behaviors will likely sabotage your relationship over time.

People in healthy relationships need to feel that they can express their feelings without being rejected or judged. Your way of managing conflict may be different from your partner’s, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get along.

Learning how to disagree and heal from fights is a core skill to finding a lifetime of happiness.

(3) Lack of Empathy

Couples who fail to walk a mile in their partner’s shoes often don’t make it. In truth, the ability to see a situation from your partner’s point of view is vital.

You will not always agree with each other, but if you take the time to see if through their eyes, they will feel heard, understood, and connected. When they see the world through your perspective, you will feel the same.

If you cannot offer or receive a sincere, “I’m sorry” or “thank you,” then each of you will feel cut off and abandoned. One or both of you will want to leave or seek out an emotional or physical affair with someone else. It doesn’t have to be that way.

The good news is that you can heal all of these challenges.

Here are a few resources to support you.

• Free chapter of my book Compassionate Mediation? for Relationships at a Crossroads: How to Add Passion to Your Marriage or Compassion to Your Divorce.
• Free Relationship Assessment
• Free Compassionate Communication Care Kit.
• For Professionals: Free Roadmap and Video of Compassionate Mediation Process
• Please join me at my next LIVE event on January 23rd at noon central: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" How to Start Over..

To assess the health of your relationship and prevent a toxic ending, you can take the FREE Relationship Quiz and receive tools for healing and transformation.

Then read the chapter in the book as you practice exquisite SELF care.

Remember, this doesn’t have to be the last year you spend with your beloved.

You can co-create a new and better future - together or apart.

Sending lots of love and support,

Linda

P.S. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you know who could use the information and support. It will be your gift to them.