This is the stage of marriage called the "power struggle." It happens in most marriages. You can work with Randi to learn how to get through it in the shortest possible time and regain your closeness.

The importance of shared power and partnership in achieving an intimate and effective relationship is paramount.

Once a relationship moves past the honeymoon stage, many stall in the power struggle stage, which is usually focused around religion, parenting, allocation of time, sex, intimacy, the home, social life, personal habits, hobbies, privacy, and finances. It’s when partners stop hearing each other’s complaints, needs, and wants and start defending and protecting themselves against criticism and attempts of forced change.

The power struggle is not supposed to last, but many couples cannot seem to find the balance their relationship needs, and once had. When one partner has no voice the imbalance of power will destroy the couple relationship and create a parenting relationship. Couples who are unsuccessful at navigating through the power struggle remain at battle, and may decide to end their relationship.

Couple therapy can help you to hear each other again, giving both partners an equal voice, and equal rights to having their needs and wants validated and understood.

The Minimizing and Maximizing Dynamic

Is your partner someone who often hides behind the newspaper, television, a book, work on the computer--who clams up and won't talk about issues or feelings and leaves arguments or discussions without closure or resolution--who is withholding, emotionally distant, and non affectionate at times? Does your partner often say "I don't know" or "I just need some space and time" or "nothing is the matter" or "please stop talking this to death" and sometimes lies or is secretive about themselves.

Is your partner someone who is always bringing up issues and then talking on and on about them--who makes a big deal about seemingly unimportant issues--who gets angry and won't let the subject go and or exaggerates or nags using "always" and "never" a lot--who seems needy at times--wants you to say "I love you" a lot and overwhelms you with questions like "Do you love me," "What are you feeling," and never gives you enough peace and quiet.