Date Night or Therapy? How to Decide What Your Relationship Really Needs

Navigating the changing needs of a relationship can be complex. It’s often challenging to discern whether the relationship is in jeopardy or if it simply requires more quality time together. Even if professional intervention is necessary, it’s vital to consider whether both parties are open to the idea. Some couples might choose to prioritize date nights and increased bonding time in an attempt to avoid seeking therapy, when in reality, therapy may be the most beneficial option. The crucial question is: how can you distinguish between the need for more quality time and the need for professionally administered therapy?

Do The Two Of You Enjoy Each Other’s Company?

When you’re out on a date night, do you both genuinely enjoy each other’s company? If spending time together feels like a drag, exploring couples therapy might be a good idea. However, if you both cherish your time together but struggle to find the time for date nights, prioritizing and scheduling regular time together could be the solution.

Do The Two Of You Get Along?

Whenever you spend any time together, do arguments ensue? Are the two of you incapable of going one day without yelling at each other? If you answered yes to even one of these questions, that is a pretty good sign that couples therapy is needed.

Do You And Your Partner Meet Each Other’s Needs?

Not meeting each other’s basic needs is also a sign that couples therapy might be a good idea. For example, suppose you need physical touch and affection in a relationship, but your partner isn’t giving it to you. In that case, you may start feeling unloved, or your partner may not want to be in the relationship.

Can The Two Of You Communicate Your Needs And Desires Effectively?

Let’s say the person who needs affection and touch in the relationship doesn’t communicate those needs to their partner. Then how will their partner know what they need? In order to obtain a healthy relationship, both people should be able to properly express their needs and wants. If this isn’t happening in your relationship, couples therapy would be the best place to learn how to communicate effectively.

Is One Of You Withdrawing From The Other?

If you or your partner are starting to cancel date nights or just trying to avoid the other, therapy is needed. Why are you or they withdrawing? What can be done to stop it? These are questions that a trained couples therapist can help you answer and get you back on track.

Has There Been Unhealed Infidelity In The Past?

This one might be the biggest clue of all. Some couples might try to move past infidelity on their own. While it may be okay for some, others may have no idea how to navigate it, which could lead to resentment and trust issues. Couples therapy can help re-establish boundaries and give you exercises to do with one another so you can learn to trust each other again.

Conclusion

Suppose you find yourself agreeing with one or more of these scenarios. In that case, you and your partner may want to consider couples therapy. However, don’t let the social stigma that surrounds therapy discourage you from seeking help. Couples therapy has helped many couples and relationships become stronger and thrive. Additionally, if one of you wants to go to therapy and the other one doesn’t, someone should never be forced into therapy. One of you can attend, and the other may change their mind once they see the good that comes from it.

If you would like to learn more about couples therapy and how it works, feel free to contact me.