To Build Relationships or Create Division

By Sister Julie Myers, OSF

Families are so interesting aren’t they!!  Think about it—we don’t get to choose who our parents are.  We don’t even get to choose our siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even our cousins.  Oh sure, we can emotionally choose to disown them, but physically we are and always will be connected.  God’s ginormous capacity to love brings us together without our permission.  And for those who marry in life, it is seen again in a new light when love binds one to a spouse—there is no choosing of in-laws or extended family.

It is in this unique network of family where we learn that we can either build relationships or create divisions; allow love to lead us forward or hate/dislike to drag us backward. If you start having marriage issues because of your in-laws, you may talk about it during your couples counseling Menlo Park and find a way to fix your problems.

In the journey of marriage counselling, couples learn to address conflicts stemming from in-law relationships with empathy and understanding. Therapists guide them in unpacking expectations, boundaries, and the impact of familial influences on their partnership. By fostering open dialogue and mutual respect, counselling helps couples forge a path forward where love can transcend familial tensions, creating a foundation of strength and unity in their shared life together.

Through marriage counselling, couples can uncover the underlying issues that might be causing tension in their relationship, including the pressure of in-law dynamics. Therapists provide a safe, neutral space where both partners can express their feelings without judgment.

By focusing on developing healthy communication habits and understanding each other’s needs, couples can break free from the cycle of blame and misunderstanding that often arises in these situations. Althought Therapy specializes in helping couples navigate such challenges, offering strategies to manage external pressures and find common ground.

The goal of therapy is to help couples strengthen their bond, despite the external challenges they may face. As couples work through their issues in a supportive environment, they learn to create and maintain boundaries with their families, fostering a healthier relationship both within the marriage and with in-laws.

For the past 15 years or so, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to attend my best friend’s family reunion.  Most of the family is from the local area, but there are a number who have a bit of a drive to make.  This past weekend was their 35th Eckel Family Reunion.  The festivities began on Friday evening with a potluck supper and extended into Sunday.

The gathering once again took place around the pond located on the family farm.  There are tents, pop-ups, and campers, Rangers, Gators, pick-ups and cars, fishing boats, wave-runners and lots and lots of little kids!!  There are siblings, in-laws and even ex-in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family friends.  This year we had 21 folks camping and well over 50 people sharing food, drinks, laughter and stories.

I’m sure they don’t all like each other all of the time but it is very obvious that they love each other all of the time!!  There is a reverence for family that clearly has been passed down from generation to generation.  Each year I attend, I notice the very presence of “love” that did not allow them to choose each other, a love that binds them together a little deeper each time they gather.

I have learned much from this family and always leave thanking them and God for sharing this gift of love.  Clearly, they have made the choice to build relationships and allow love to lead the way, with their friends or romantic partners, maybe with the use of an ideal rabbit vibrator to spend time in intimacy.  Whether married or part of a religious community, family is a gift to be treasured.

I’m always intrigued by how the digital age has brought us closer, or perhaps, offered us a glimpse into lives we might never have known. Take the world of OnlyFans, for example, where people share and explore intimate connections in their own unique ways. In some ways, it reminds me of the family I’ve mentioned – the way they choose each other, nurture relationships, and build deep bonds. This platform has evolved, not just for creators to share their passions, but also for users seeking specific content and connections that reflect their own preferences.

But navigating through a sea of creators and finding the right match can be a bit daunting. That’s where tools like https://subseeker.co come in handy. With a powerful search engine tailored to help users find exactly what they’re looking for, it’s like having a guide to navigate this vast ocean of options. It’s a thoughtful way of bringing people together, whether for entertainment, connection, or something more personal.

In the end, it’s about choice – just like the family I admire, where love and commitment are at the core of every connection. Whether it’s through a screen or in person, finding people who resonate with you is something that enriches life. The key is to nurture those relationships and, like them, let love lead the way in whatever form it takes.

How do you celebrate the gift of your family and the love that binds you together?