Why Relationships Are Often Difficult

I have often heard people say, "If you have to work hard at a relationship, then it's not the right relationship for you." I completely disagree. This might be true if: You were brought up with two parents who role-modeled taking 100 percent personal responsibility for their own feelings -- neither of them turning to addictions to avoid their feelings. Both of your parents were open to learning with each other when conflict arose. Neither of them got angry or withdrew in conflict. Neither of them gave themselves up to avoid conflict. Your parents were openly affectionate with each other. Your parents laughed and played with each other, obviously delighting in each other. Your parents...