I never planned to be a stay-at-home dad. It just happened.
When we first found out we were expectant parents, it came as a shock. It was about five years early. I was supposed to finish grad school first. We were supposed to settle down and buy a house first. We were supposed to travel Europe first.
Except, in hindsight, I'm really glad we didn't wait.
"We've changed. We've grown apart. We're not in love with each other any more."
“She is just not the person I married. She’s changed.”
“I just seem to attract losers. I wonder if that will ever change.”
Change Not Always Predictable, but Inevitable
Change is a part of life. We may talk about change being difficult or challenging, but the fact is that we’re always in the process of flux. Bodies age. Values mature. Interests expand. Judgments harden. Attitudes soften. We’ve come to expect change in many aspects of life, but when it occurs too slowly, off schedule, or in a manner that doesn’t suit us, we balk or complain. When it’s catches us off guard, we’re unnerved. Even when we see it coming, we may flinch or resist.
In the last few weeks I’ve been asked more than once to comment on the behavior of famous athletes and politicians who have strayed beyond the bounds of their marriage into an extramarital affair. One frequently asked question involves whether or not people can really change that much, i.e., once a cheater, always a cheater? As a clinical psychologist and marital therapist I have worked with many cases of marital infidelity. Even in these situations where trust has been severely betrayed, I am almost always hopeful about change in human behavior. However, if we want to change ourselves or encourage change in someone we love, there are certain elements or principles of change we need to understand.
Operation Us is a project started by Forest Institute and Ozarks Marriage Matters to promote healthy marriages, relationships and families. The work of the Operation Us project is sponsored by the efforts of our community partners, both in Springfield and in the surrounding counties. Many of our events and workshops are available at reduced costs, thanks to a federal grant received in 2006.
Whether your're a teen, a single adult, or in a relationship - dating, married, remarried, whatever - we've got a program for you. Expecting a baby? We've got you covered, too.
Workshops
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Hitched & Happy
Relationship Tools for Good Ol' Boys (and Their Gals, too) Learn More | Schedule -
Couples In Arms
A special program for couples in the military Schedule -
Hitched & Hatching
Relationship tools for new & expectant parents Learn More | Schedule -
Rx For Your Relationship
For couples dealing with health issues Learn More | Schedule -
Couples That Rock
Learn the skills to keep your relationship in tune Learn More | Schedule
