Tag: helping a spouse

As Valentine’s Day approaches couples become more mindful of the ways in which they can show their love through caring gestures and gifts.  Flowers, cards, candy, and jewelry often communicate feelings of affection and gratitude. It's easy to acknowledge and celebrate a meaningful relationship, especially when it’s uncomplicated and fulfilling.  However, many people are in a relationship with a significant other who is grappling with some form of self-destructive behavior. This can manifest as an eating disorder, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, other kinds of addictive behaviors, or acts of self-mutilation such as cutting or burning the body. If you relate to this, you’ll understand that there can be a deeper and even desperate desire to "fix" or "change" your spouse in an attempt to help them stop their destructive behavior.