Can One Partner Save a Relationship?
Episode Overview
Healing in relationships requires both partners to do their own inner work. Staying in an abusive relationship is never advisable. Taking responsibility for your own feelings is crucial. Responding to your partner in loving ways supports your own joy. Personal growth can transform relationship dynamics.
It's not easy to reach a place where you are willing to lose the other person rather than lose yourself
Dr. Margaret Paul dives into the complexities of relationships in this episode of Inner Bonding. With over 56 years of experience working with couples, she tackles the question: can a relationship be saved or improved if only one partner is willing to do the inner work? Dr. Paul shares that healing can indeed occur, but it requires both partners to be open to doing their own inner work.
However, what happens if one partner is completely uninterested or even struggling with issues like addiction? Dr. Paul emphasises that while it's important to work on oneself, staying in an abusive relationship is never advisable. She discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one's own feelings and actions within the relationship, and how this can lead to significant personal growth and potentially transform the relationship dynamics. Through real-life examples, Dr.
Paul illustrates how individuals can learn to respond to their partners in loving ways that support their own joy and well-being. Whether it's dealing with a partner's anger, addiction, or emotional withdrawal, Dr. Paul provides practical advice on how to navigate these challenges while maintaining self-love and self-respect. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with relationship issues and looking for guidance on how to heal and grow both individually and as a couple.