You are your spouse's friend - not his or her therapist. In fact, unless you ARE a therapist, you are likely to find it overwhelming, draining and depressing to listen to your partner's pain on a daily basis. (And if you ARE a therapist - your spouse is not your client!) Of course - like any good friend - you will be able to listen on occasion. But if your partner carries a significant emotional burden (i.e. is consistently troubled or unhappy), he or she should enlist the help of a mental health professional for relief and healing, while turning to YOU for a break from negativity, a bit of comfort and good cheer, love and affection, encouragement and companionship. If YOU'RE the one who is deeply unhappy, understand that your spouse is not there to listen to your endless struggles. He or she wants to enjoy an overall positive relationship (along with its occasional issues, difficulties and challenges). Your spouse wants to laugh with you more than cry with you - so share your intense and/or chronic pain with your therapist; share your love and your life with your spouse.
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