This was an era past that we thought like that, and perhaps, it was worse in the South where traditional roles were so strongly taught. It is partly true though — good love helps each person and heals their wounds and built up negative defenses. When two people love each other, they inspire one another to always strive and do better for the good of “the relationship.” Right? Everyone thinks that way. Right? RELATED: People Are Only Capable Of True Change If They Make This Choice One strategy here for “gridlock reduction” is that it has to be established firmly and clearly up front that both parties have the same vision for a happy relationship, This must be discussed and agreed on, line item by line item. If one of the line items is “don’t try to change me”, then is the person really ready for a relationship, or do they just want all the benefits and accolades in a relationship without any degree of work? I often tell my clients, “There are 3 people in your relationship: you, the significant other, and the relationship.” This simply means that if we look at this as 3 versus 2, it can make things a little easier and decrease the power struggle. (Again, the only problem with this model is that both people have to have the same vision for a successful and happy relationship.) So, can men change? And the truth is…no, they can’t. The truth is that men tend to feel emasculated and not good enough when a woman tries to get them to make too many “adjustments” or “modifications.” RELATED: Some People Never Change — And That’s Exactly Why I Left So how can a woman communicate when she’s asking for a change? For starters, being respectful is always the answer to how to deliver the message. The “what” of the message needs to be constructed in an “I feel…when you…” statement. For example, “I feel angry and hurt when you use that tone of voice, and I would like you to soften it.” Nevertheless, the one thing I think most men would put somewhere at the top of the line item list is actually the “Don’t try to change me” request. With this, he most likely asks for that respect and acceptance of him the way that he is. RELATED: You Can’t Change A Man Who Doesn’t See An Issue With His Actions If the woman wants to come into his life and starts rearranging the furniture in there, then there has to be a balance between these 2 tendencies — to stay the same or to move things forward by molding and melding your lives into a cohesive unit? Communication and boundaries are the way out of any conflict. And, again, so is accepting that the person is happy with who they are and sees no need to rearrange to become “relationship ready”. So, take a lot of time and be friends first. Don’t get swept away to Fantasy Island. And remember that small adjustments, when maintained over time, become a change. But if they don’t show signs of being a good match and won’t grow with you, whether male or female, no matter what the magic zodiac sign combo is, move on. RELATED: Are You Ready For Change? 9 Ways To Tell For Sure Rebecca Bullion is a counselor, psychotherapist, and speaker. Learn more about her on her website Addiction in America. Watch YourTango Experts discuss why you should never try to change your man:
