We all enter into relationships with preconceived expectations from our partners. We come with our own understanding of what it is to love and to be loved. This perception is usually based on our previous exposure to past relationships in our lives. Sometimes our perceptions can be in opposition to our partner’s perceptions. When this occurs, conflict within the couple ensues. The goal of couple’s therapy begins with a thorough understanding of each individual. This includes their needs, wants and perceptions of giving and receiving love. Only until we have an appreciation of each partner’s ideas about the relationship and how they were learned and maintained, can we let go of some unrealistic expectations and create a new way of giving and receiving love.
