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Navigating the Complexities of Serious Relationships

There comes a time in every monogamous relationship when you change your dating status from “talking” to “dating,” then to “serious” – meaning neither of you are dating, considering or looking for anyone else. You may even consider marriage or get married and change your status to “forever-serious.” It’s during the serious and forever-serious phases that the two of you really dig in and work on getting to know one another and recognize the things about the other that you admire, value and absolutely love – things like, “he exhibits remarkable integrity” or “she makes me feel like I can be a better person.” That’s also when you discover the “little things” that categorically annoy you – things like, “she can’t ever make up her mind,” or “he chews his food with his mouth open.” Success in serious relationships requires each person to accept the other – including his or her imperfections. And the only way to understand and stay in touch with your partner’s evolving reality is to keep the conversation going and continue to accept imperfections along the way. This book is about going deeper and finding out things that you will only learn through thoughtful discussions – talks that require time to unfold. After each conversation, you both must work through your perceptions and judgments regarding what you hear. Since time is your friend, take this two-month journey and work through one conversation each day.