In a marriage, what are the building blocks of trust?
According to the dictionary, trust is defined as “the assured reliance in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Having it is a critical factor and also the main foundation for any relationship, whether it’s a friendship, a parent-child relationship, or a marriage. Once trust is broken and an individual no longer feels that he or she can rely on their partner, the bond of faith can be very challenging to repair and rebuild.
Within a relationship, trust issues can stem from a multitude of problems–anything from emotional or physical affairs and hidden addictions to secrecy and lying. However, more subtle behaviors from spouses like constantly being late, being unreliable, or being insensitive can also shake the foundations of trust and honesty.
Today’s guest, Dr. Sara Salter of Wynns Family Psychology in Cary, NC, says the way to build strong, lasting trust within your marriage is to focus on certain specific factors including communication, openness and empathy. In addition to those, Sara has other important pointers and tips on how to build and maintain an unbreakable level of trust within your marriage.
To find out more about Sara and her practice, visit their website or call (919) 467-7777 to schedule an appointment.
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What’s the real story behind infidelity and affair proofing your marriage?
Though data varies, many researchers and clinicians would say that about 25 percent of men and 15 percent of women engage in an affair during the course of their marriage. Extramarital affairs cross all boundaries. While the news media chronicle the affairs of our leaders and the rich and famous, chances are we likely know couples in our own circles who have experienced infidelity. When it comes to affair proofing your marriage, there are some obvious steps, but also some not-so-obvious ones.
The research that is available suggests that affairs happen across ethnic and racial lines, in red states and blue ones, in the homes of the rich and in the homes of the poor, regardless of educational level and by both men and women. Unfortunately, the statistics show that affairs and infidelity issues can happen across the board. Armed with that knowledge, it’s important to also know the steps to take to ensure your marriage is protected from infidelity.
Today’s guest is one of our regulars, Dr. Kristen Wynns of Wynns Family Psychology in Cary, NC. Though you and your spouse ultimately have control over the boundaries in your relationship, Kristen is here to discuss some of the important tips you both can stick with for affair proofing your marriage.
To find out more about Kristen and her practice, visit her website, or call (919) 467-7777 to make an appointment.
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Is keeping secrets from your partner just as bad as lying?
We’re talking about lying by omission. It may not seem like selective honesty would create problems within a marriage, but keeping secrets from your partner is a form of lying. Doing this can create cracks in the foundation of a relationship and lead to the destruction of a marriage.
Many couples are unaware of the powerful message they are sending by intentionally withholding information. Sometimes couples think that keeping secrets from one another is being “helpful,” or that they are “sparing the other,” but that isn’t the case. When one or both partners in the relationship have secrets that the other don’t know about, trust and communication are compromised. After a marriage has been hit by secrets and lies, the dynamic has been changed for the worst.
Our guest today is Dr. Janet Savia, a clinical psychologist with Lepage Associates. According to Janet, secrets and lies create deep wounds, but can be healed with honesty and guidance. Though it may seem impossible to regain trust within a marriage that is plagued with secrets and lies, it’s not. Change can be real.
To find out more about Janet and the practice, Lepage Associates, visit their website, or call (919) 572-0000 to make an appointment.
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