Relationships thrive in healthy, stable environments.

Well, of course they do, but it's easy to lose sight of this common sense notion when caught up in the business of life.
I recommend a holistic approach with consideration given to:
sufficient sleep, good nutrition, regular exercise, limited alcohol consumption, regular quality time for the couple and the individuals, and a sustained spiritual, or philosophic practice.
Without regular attention to these items stress will overwhelm and possibly destabilize the relational system.
Some say that under stress, we regress:)

Relationship Needs.

Before you read this post, please note that I'm a passionate, motivated and idealistic man.
Still, after nearly 20 years of marriage and 16 years as a marriage counselor, I'm wondering how realistic it is for one to expect that all their relationship needs can be met by their spouse, or any one person.
With this in mind, one's left with the question of what constitutes "good enough".
That might sound like settling, though acceptance might be a more useful point from where we can focus on what we do have versus what we're missing.

Need Relationship Change?

Tired of trying to change your partner, so you'll have a better relationship?
Then turn your attention to yourself, the person you might be able to change... if you're willing to take on that job.
If "it takes two to tango" take a long hard look at your buttons that your partner keeps pushing.
The fact that you have them (unresolved childhood issues), suggests the work that you (like all of us) still have to do.

The overwhelm of new parenthood:)

Ahhh, the wonderful awesomeness of becoming a parent for the first time:)
No matter how prepared u think u are the whole experience can be a bit overwhelming and sleep deprivation, etc. doesn't help.
Working with some many new experiences at once results in a very steep learning curve for most new parents and the chaos that comes with it will test any relationship.
I suggest getting in the routine of having regular planning meetings to develop structure as a team, in order to better handle all the changes as well as a safe, productive place to voice worries.

The attraction of opposites.

We seem to be attracted to our opposites and perhaps it comes from an unconscious desire or need to be a bit more like them.
Consciously, though, we may resist their influence due to the frustration or discomfort it triggers in us. 
What if we're with them in order that we might heal or grow?

Anger-management

When it comes to anger, we often have triggers that in one version or another date back to childhood.
These trigger/response neuropathways are well worn, so we need determination to alter our reactivity.
It begins with identifying what triggers our anger.

Relationships and Best Functioning Distance

Healthy emotional boundaries are key for relationship functioning. 
Too close and the couple becomes emotionally enmeshed and risks codependence.
Too far and they end up living detached and parallel lives.
It's essential that each partner have a sense of where they end and their partner begins.
With best functioning distance, the partners overlap, while maintaing their individual selves.

Click this link to learn more about the counseling services I offer.