My lack of blogging lately has been due largely to the immense amount of change that has taken place in my life this last year. So I have been reflecting on how change can effect a relationship.

Change is inevitable. It is happening all the time, and it always has an effect of us personally and on our relationships. Stress is a natural side effect of change some positive and some, not so much, and even positive change can create negative stress.

For instance, we recently moved closer to family, including our grandchildren; the result - positive change. But moving to a different state, climate and culture has required changes in our life that have been difficult to acclimate to. Consequently our stress levels have been a force to deal with at times, and we have both had to be mindful of each others need for loving support and kindness.

Too often when under stress people have moments of selfishness, thinking only of their needs and forgetting that their partner has needs as well. Our stress can seem so overwhelming that we become self absorbed, neglecting our duty to show compassion toward others.

Even the happiest of couples can be torn apart when we begin expecting more of our partner than we are giving in return. During periods of stress try replacing your requests for help with acts of kindness. You may be surprised at how doing so not only relieves your own stress but strengthens your relationship as well. Once you are on the other side of your difficulty you will look back and realized that your relationship grew stronger and that you weathered the storm together.