Loading...
Clinton News-Record, 1985-11-13, Page 39Prill C7 grIMOIMIENIM OO P G'�.Nr ofgi HEED GiENJ HNC ENIERE1161 0 A P RegiOnoi VOW Spatter, Novelni lr 13, P)1/5 Pq 013 the Second Time. Around C!Qntinued from page 12 - that you'll be carried over the new threshold with your luggage and all this emotional baggage, here's what to do: According to Dr. McKay, people prefer to forget the painful parts of the first relationship and hope that switching partners will make the issues disappear. Neither tactic works. Instead, she urges women to use the alone -time after the divorce (or your husband's death) to grow in self-awareness. Scrutinize your strengths and weaknesses in your capacity to 1'a intimately with a man; s the marital lessons you've ed; understand who you are now; work toward a sense of wholeness as an individual; and let yourself develop more skills. Myth 5: Marriage is marriage. The first and second ones probably won't be much different. Actually, there are lots of differences — and ways to cope. "In a first marriage, the spouse is — and should be —f No.1. Children come second. But in the next marriage, this isn't so. The children's rights and spouses' rights must be balanced and respected from the outset," notes Dr. Foley. "Avoid problems by discussing them before you re -wed and by writing down what each family member has understood," he advises. toticipate future decisions, too, h as which children will go to college, live home and so on. Another difference is the ..fact ' that the second husband otten has to share his money and his time with two households: "Accept that you are not his one and only and that !you'll feel resentful, angry .and jealous • occasionally," advises Freedman. ' She urges women to adjust their perspective. For instance, while your husband visits his children, instead of sulking, turn these hours into a creative possibility. Be aware that the second marriage has built-in advantages: "You're both probably more experienced and realistic this time," feels Dr: Dixon Murphy.. "If you've had counseling or if - you nowunderstand how you contributed to' the first split-up, you'll be in a better positon to contribute to the new relationship." Many couples; she feels, put more conscious effort into making the second marriage happier. . . Here'' are some final myths that must be banished. According to Dr. Dixon Murphy, these false notions sabotage future success in love: • The second relationship will work out...miraculously. • You shouldn't talk about sex or money because it leads to. arguments, not to resolutions. • A good marriage depends entirely on your partner and that you don't have to be responsible to your feeling and actions. Instead off clinging to these illusions, view your past objectively. "Coming out of a bad marriage, people feel that they either made a bad choice or that their spouse was the problem. But the reality is that nearly everyone makes a fairly adequate choice. You wouldn't pick a partner who didn't meet your needs in most ways," explains Dr. Foley. "The problem isn't with the choice, but with living out the choice." He feels no woman should remarry until she's examined her contribution to the divorce. Why? "Because you'll repeat your mistakes unless you analyze them. If you're not sure what went wrong, get some counseling." Each therapist agrees that the more you understand yourself and the reasons your first marriage ended, the greater your chance of grabbing the bright gold ring of happiness the second time around. INCREASE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS Here are some useful tactics from social worker Barbara Freedman"and Doctors Dixon Murphy, Foley and McKay. • Remember that the goal of good communication is twofold: 1) Tell the person how you feel without blaming him, and 2) In the light of this, ask him to do something you wish. • Use "1 statements": "I" plus "a feeling verb. These give your mate essential information (so he doesn't have to guess) and they give you the chance to express yourself honestly and directly — the first step to getting what'you want. • Avoid offensive "you statements" and "why questions." • Don't attribute motivation to people's behavior. • Share what is happening between you as a potent force in developing intimacy. Instead of feeling frustrated or misunderstood, you can improve a situation immediately. • Articulate your limits. When you're vague, you confuse people. • Give positive strokes, especially for improved behavior. 198S King Features Syndicate, Inc Puzzle on Page 18 A fasten. Use your ears and eyes to pick up verbal and nonverbal messages. You'll know you're not listening when you get defensive about your position or you're eager to jump in and take over the conversation. Instead of planning a reply, limit your responses to "I understand" or "I don't understand" and focus on hearing what is said. • WATERBEDS Manufactured in London 40%40% SAVINGS WORLD WIDE WATERBEDS All Waterbeds and furniture -suites available on rent to own plan. CALL NOW All phone applications accepted WORLD WIDE WATER BEDS 211 Ashland Ave 452-3730 (London) ---1 •If•Il•IIIsl�-�1�_ .••"�' / art • , ,, iSi� t Wire and lackses! 1 stialligshitai3t. /t also at great P ` rat Rectoost 111 all OW WWI. Sil I III ei • ^ 1 1 TELA TRENDLINE 1 11 Northern Electric Quality $s9's :_-' 1 One Year Warranty I New or Reconditioned 1 1 TOUCHTONE 12 different colours 113 styles , $3995 1 1 1 _ 1. (•i 1 DOODLE CONTEMPRA DAWN E%Ce,tell$ ti.c'1 1 ROTARY ROTARY ROTARY i�� Id�DS �+�' 1 53496 53495 539951 ,I 1 1--%,„,,1 Wall Phones - Recondiitioned frond S 15.95 1 SUPER Fisher Price Quality $5995 ROBOT Creative Childrens Toys CANDLESTICK RADIOS Games and Models CANADIANA , - $19,95 SURPLUS PRICES! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 40 piece COMBINATION RATCHET -SOCKET SETS only $895 ELECTROHOME HUMIDIFIER FILTERS $195 BOOSTER CABLES $1295 12 foot - 6 gauge NEW FURNACE BLOWERS and Metric IN Ill NM 43500 CAR STEREOS AM -FM Cassette 1 1 CAR Digital Models 1 from $74.95 SPEAKERS also in stock) 1 -23 sizes in stock- 1 (including Lear Jet) $95 from 7 pr. 1 from $4495 (Boosters - Equalizers Tools, Hardware, Electronics, and Much More 1 We buy huge volumes from insurance companies, bankruptcies, manufacturers clearouts etc... Every week unexpected new bargains!