120 SelfWork: The Role of Disappointment in Relationships: How Much Is Too Much?

Disappointment is hard to hear, and sometimes hard to reveal, but it’s also inevitable in a relationship. Whether it’s a one-time event or there’s a pattern that’s been established, there’s a way to work them out. But it takes emotional maturity and realizing that each time you work through a disappointment together, you build trust.

There are major disappointments that can so rock a relationship that it ends, or has to have a real overhaul. And then there are those minor ones that lead to regular irritation or frustration. We’ll talk about how to handle both and a process that can only lend security to your relationship.

Our listener email today is an interesting one for sure. It’s from a listener who separated themselves from a very painful family situation, and was then hit by an anxiety that they couldn’t understand or fathom.

Important links:

John and Julie Gottman’s incredible research on what can bring a relationship to its knees.

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!