Madge
Hello! After 40 years of clinical practice the best advise I can offer you is: DO NOT WHITE KNUCKLE IT ALONE! Why? Because nearly all of my couples tell me they wish they had gotten support earlier than later.
Conflicts between partners are riddled with so many uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviors that it can be hard to process and negotiate alone. Couples counseling gives you an opportunity to receive compassionate help navigating the complications from a trained professional who appreciates the developmental issues at play in your relationship and who does not have a horse in your race! Neutral observations of your patterns of relating helps get to the root of problems rather that join in on the blame and hurt and miscommunication.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for help. You may be in crisis, you may be seeking to rekindle a relationship that has gone on automatic pilot, and/or you may be seeking to end a relationship in a respectful manner. Regardless of your reasons for recruiting help, I am here for you.