Should an MOT be a necessity for a relationship?
Recent statistics point to an increasing rise in divorcing couples in the 40-45 age group. In my work these are the couples who are both typically juggling long pressurised working hours, school age children who require constant ferrying to various after school activities and elderly parents who need more care and attention. This often does not leave much time or space for the couple.
Could we look after our marriages better by having some relationship counselling at this crucial time, in the same way as we have MOT’s on our cars or medical check- ups for our bodies to make sure all is functioning well?
What are the signs to look for that would suggest an MOT would be helpful?
– Your partner spends more time texting or keeping up to date on facebook than talking to you
– Your main method of communication is through complaints and arguments
– Your partner is spending more time out of the house doing their own thing
– Going out together as a couple is a distant memory
– Sex only happens on birthdays and Christmas
It is not uncommon for couples to come for counselling prior to marriage to check out some of the common pitfalls that can beset a relationship or merely to check out with a professional that they are confident that important areas have been discussed.
It seems more difficult for couples to seek relationship counselling unless they are in crisis. Would many more couple difficulties be avoided and therefore reduce divorce statistics if a few sessions with a couples counsellor was undertaken every 5-7 years?
Dawn Kaffel