We here at the Seniors Discount Club have seen and read all sorts of relationship advice floating around on the internet, from maintaining the spark with regular date nights to exploring exotic destinations together.

But what happens when that spark starts to fizzle and your significant other, who could once do no wrong, starts leaving you to feel insignificant?

It's a tale sadly too familiar to many in long-term relationships. Many find their partner's habits that were once endearing now irksome. Even more disheartening, the fizz and hormones from the earlier stages of romance settle, leading to complacency that often diminishes attraction between them.

Does it mean they must spice things up in the bedroom or try some adventurous old-school dating techniques? Not necessarily, as noted by relationship therapist Starielle Hope Newman.

A relationship therapist revealed why attraction and intimacy wane in long-term relationships. Credit: Shutterstock.

Over many years, Newman has offered counselling to thousands of couples, and she observed a common thread among those experiencing dwindling relationships.

Newman explained that the catalyst for the loss of attraction lies not in the bedroom but in the mundane, everyday resentments that build up over time, gradually diminishing the partners' chemistry.

'The magic of the relationship fades away with the pile-up of the itty-bitty disagreements that go unresolved over time,' Newman revealed.

Imagine a clear pane of glass representing the attraction between two people. When the relationship is fresh, the glass is clear; there are no resentments and no harsh words spoken.

Over time, however, these insignificant conflicts, like uncared-for dishes or strewn clothes, that may be disregarded to avoid confrontations, effectively dirty this once pristine pane of glass.

Veteran relationship guide Newman uses this compelling image to explain the phenomenon: 'Each unresolved issue is analogous to hurling a handful of muddy grudges on the clear pane, marring the once-transparent connection.'

Of course, as we mature, we realise that life isn't all sunshine and roses; relationships take work, and disagreements are a part of any partnership.

However, when these small conflicts are ignored or brushed under the carpet, it leads to a pile of grievances that obscure the other person's view.

Even your once-beloved partner can sometimes appear distorted through the muddy glass of unspoken conflicts and unresolved resentments. This hazy lens can tarnish your previous perception, hindering the free flow of energy between the two of you and ultimately causing the connection to fade away.

​

So, what's Newman's advice to couples under the shadow of such rising resentments? Speak up! Communication is the driving force that can save the day. It's not an easy path; it involves clearing the canvas or, in this case, glass by having those uncomfortable yet necessary conversations.

Even at the risk of sounding like a nag, express your discontent over small issues. As the famous proverb goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine.' (If you sort out a problem immediately, it may save a lot of extra work later.)

Likewise, addressing an issue early on prevents its evolution into a huge catastrophe. Newman suggests that for managing highly sensitive issues, professional help may be beneficial.

Newman's explanation seems to have resonated with various couples, with many acknowledging its validity in their experiences.

One woman testified, 'Your explanation is insightful. Now I understand my past relationships better.'

Another shared, 'This definitely makes sense. I've been with my husband for 17 years, and the only reason I'm still attracted to him is because we talk about things and tackle our problems together.'

Key Takeaways

• Relationship therapist Starielle Hope Newman revealed that unresolved minor resentments are a common reason for dwindling attraction in long-term relationships.
• She compared a fresh relationship to two people standing with a clear pane of glass between them. However, each time a small conflict goes unresolved, it's like throwing a bunch of mud at that pane of glass, impacting the transparency and flow of positive energy between the couple.
• Starielle stressed the importance of low-grade conflict resolution to maintain the chemistry in a relationship and suggested that couples might need professional help in this regard.
• Numerous individuals resonated with Starielle's explanation, highlighting its applicability in understanding patterns in their past relationships.

Members, before you blame yourself or your partner for the ebbing attraction, take a step back and assess the 'transparent glass' of your relationship. Clear the dirty layers and revitalise your bond. Because every step forward, no matter how small, can help revive the shimmer that may seem faded but is never truly lost.

Embrace open communication because relationships, like life, are a work in progress. Here's to a healthier, nurturing bond fostering understanding, respect, and enduring attraction!

Have you ever encountered any challenges with your partner? How do you typically address or handle these issues? And do you believe effective communication plays a vital role in resolving conflicts? We would love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences! Please share them with us in the comments section below.

 

[Luckyus]

We here at the Seniors Discount Club have seen and read all sorts of relationship advice floating around on the internet, from maintaining the spark with regular date nights to exploring exotic destinations together.

But what happens when that spark starts to fizzle and your significant other, who could once do no wrong, starts leaving you to feel insignificant?

It's a tale sadly too familiar to many in long-term relationships. Many find their partner's habits that were once endearing now irksome. Even more disheartening, the fizz and hormones from the earlier stages of romance settle, leading to complacency that often diminishes attraction between them.

Does it mean they must spice things up in the bedroom or try some adventurous old-school dating techniques? Not necessarily, as noted by relationship therapist Starielle Hope Newman.

View attachment 23799

A relationship therapist revealed why attraction and intimacy wane in long-term relationships. Credit: Shutterstock.

Over many years, Newman has offered counselling to thousands of couples, and she observed a common thread among those experiencing dwindling relationships.

Newman explained that the catalyst for the loss of attraction lies not in the bedroom but in the mundane, everyday resentments that build up over time, gradually diminishing the partners' chemistry.

'The magic of the relationship fades away with the pile-up of the itty-bitty disagreements that go unresolved over time,' Newman revealed.

Imagine a clear pane of glass representing the attraction between two people. When the relationship is fresh, the glass is clear; there are no resentments and no harsh words spoken.

Over time, however, these insignificant conflicts, like uncared-for dishes or strewn clothes, that may be disregarded to avoid confrontations, effectively dirty this once pristine pane of glass.

Veteran relationship guide Newman uses this compelling image to explain the phenomenon: 'Each unresolved issue is analogous to hurling a handful of muddy grudges on the clear pane, marring the once-transparent connection.'

Of course, as we mature, we realise that life isn't all sunshine and roses; relationships take work, and disagreements are a part of any partnership.

However, when these small conflicts are ignored or brushed under the carpet, it leads to a pile of grievances that obscure the other person's view.

Even your once-beloved partner can sometimes appear distorted through the muddy glass of unspoken conflicts and unresolved resentments. This hazy lens can tarnish your previous perception, hindering the free flow of energy between the two of you and ultimately causing the connection to fade away.

​

So, what's Newman's advice to couples under the shadow of such rising resentments? Speak up! Communication is the driving force that can save the day. It's not an easy path; it involves clearing the canvas or, in this case, glass by having those uncomfortable yet necessary conversations.

Even at the risk of sounding like a nag, express your discontent over small issues. As the famous proverb goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine.' (If you sort out a problem immediately, it may save a lot of extra work later.)

Likewise, addressing an issue early on prevents its evolution into a huge catastrophe. Newman suggests that for managing highly sensitive issues, professional help may be beneficial.

Newman's explanation seems to have resonated with various couples, with many acknowledging its validity in their experiences.

One woman testified, 'Your explanation is insightful. Now I understand my past relationships better.'

Another shared, 'This definitely makes sense. I've been with my husband for 17 years, and the only reason I'm still attracted to him is because we talk about things and tackle our problems together.'

Key Takeaways

• Relationship therapist Starielle Hope Newman revealed that unresolved minor resentments are a common reason for dwindling attraction in long-term relationships.
• She compared a fresh relationship to two people standing with a clear pane of glass between them. However, each time a small conflict goes unresolved, it's like throwing a bunch of mud at that pane of glass, impacting the transparency and flow of positive energy between the couple.
• Starielle stressed the importance of low-grade conflict resolution to maintain the chemistry in a relationship and suggested that couples might need professional help in this regard.
• Numerous individuals resonated with Starielle's explanation, highlighting its applicability in understanding patterns in their past relationships.

Members, before you blame yourself or your partner for the ebbing attraction, take a step back and assess the 'transparent glass' of your relationship. Clear the dirty layers and revitalise your bond. Because every step forward, no matter how small, can help revive the shimmer that may seem faded but is never truly lost.

Embrace open communication because relationships, like life, are a work in progress. Here's to a healthier, nurturing bond fostering understanding, respect, and enduring attraction!

Have you ever encountered any challenges with your partner? How do you typically address or handle these issues? And do you believe effective communication plays a vital role in resolving conflicts? We would love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences! Please share them with us in the comments section below.

She calls me an arsehole, I tell her to wipe it.

 

[Ricki]

We here at the Seniors Discount Club have seen and read all sorts of relationship advice floating around on the internet, from maintaining the spark with regular date nights to exploring exotic destinations together.

But what happens when that spark starts to fizzle and your significant other, who could once do no wrong, starts leaving you to feel insignificant?

It's a tale sadly too familiar to many in long-term relationships. Many find their partner's habits that were once endearing now irksome. Even more disheartening, the fizz and hormones from the earlier stages of romance settle, leading to complacency that often diminishes attraction between them.

Does it mean they must spice things up in the bedroom or try some adventurous old-school dating techniques? Not necessarily, as noted by relationship therapist Starielle Hope Newman.

View attachment 23799

A relationship therapist revealed why attraction and intimacy wane in long-term relationships. Credit: Shutterstock.

Over many years, Newman has offered counselling to thousands of couples, and she observed a common thread among those experiencing dwindling relationships.

Newman explained that the catalyst for the loss of attraction lies not in the bedroom but in the mundane, everyday resentments that build up over time, gradually diminishing the partners' chemistry.

'The magic of the relationship fades away with the pile-up of the itty-bitty disagreements that go unresolved over time,' Newman revealed.

Imagine a clear pane of glass representing the attraction between two people. When the relationship is fresh, the glass is clear; there are no resentments and no harsh words spoken.

Over time, however, these insignificant conflicts, like uncared-for dishes or strewn clothes, that may be disregarded to avoid confrontations, effectively dirty this once pristine pane of glass.

Veteran relationship guide Newman uses this compelling image to explain the phenomenon: 'Each unresolved issue is analogous to hurling a handful of muddy grudges on the clear pane, marring the once-transparent connection.'

Of course, as we mature, we realise that life isn't all sunshine and roses; relationships take work, and disagreements are a part of any partnership.

However, when these small conflicts are ignored or brushed under the carpet, it leads to a pile of grievances that obscure the other person's view.

Even your once-beloved partner can sometimes appear distorted through the muddy glass of unspoken conflicts and unresolved resentments. This hazy lens can tarnish your previous perception, hindering the free flow of energy between the two of you and ultimately causing the connection to fade away.

​

So, what's Newman's advice to couples under the shadow of such rising resentments? Speak up! Communication is the driving force that can save the day. It's not an easy path; it involves clearing the canvas or, in this case, glass by having those uncomfortable yet necessary conversations.

Even at the risk of sounding like a nag, express your discontent over small issues. As the famous proverb goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine.' (If you sort out a problem immediately, it may save a lot of extra work later.)

Likewise, addressing an issue early on prevents its evolution into a huge catastrophe. Newman suggests that for managing highly sensitive issues, professional help may be beneficial.

Newman's explanation seems to have resonated with various couples, with many acknowledging its validity in their experiences.

One woman testified, 'Your explanation is insightful. Now I understand my past relationships better.'

Another shared, 'This definitely makes sense. I've been with my husband for 17 years, and the only reason I'm still attracted to him is because we talk about things and tackle our problems together.'

Key Takeaways

• Relationship therapist Starielle Hope Newman revealed that unresolved minor resentments are a common reason for dwindling attraction in long-term relationships.
• She compared a fresh relationship to two people standing with a clear pane of glass between them. However, each time a small conflict goes unresolved, it's like throwing a bunch of mud at that pane of glass, impacting the transparency and flow of positive energy between the couple.
• Starielle stressed the importance of low-grade conflict resolution to maintain the chemistry in a relationship and suggested that couples might need professional help in this regard.
• Numerous individuals resonated with Starielle's explanation, highlighting its applicability in understanding patterns in their past relationships.

Members, before you blame yourself or your partner for the ebbing attraction, take a step back and assess the 'transparent glass' of your relationship. Clear the dirty layers and revitalise your bond. Because every step forward, no matter how small, can help revive the shimmer that may seem faded but is never truly lost.

Embrace open communication because relationships, like life, are a work in progress. Here's to a healthier, nurturing bond fostering understanding, respect, and enduring attraction!

Have you ever encountered any challenges with your partner? How do you typically address or handle these issues? And do you believe effective communication plays a vital role in resolving conflicts? We would love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences! Please share them with us in the comments section below.

After a lifetime together Hubby and I have grown extremely close and couldn't imagine life without each other. The reason why? We talk to each other about everything good and bad. He's never raised his voice to me and I may be guilty of doing that but very very seldom. No matter what is discussed we never go to bed angry. Hubby just said he can't remember the last time we argued and neither can I.

 

[Gsr]

Hubby and I have been together over 50 years, since we started dating, married over 49 years. Many people we know express surprise at how well we still get on, how everything we do gives them the impression that we are a very loving couple, meant to be together. They comment that they wish their marriages, relationships were as loving as ours. We have the occasional disagreement but we talk it out, we have always been open and honest with each other, it helps that we have similar interests and tastes and enjoy spending time together. We share a kiss and cuddle every night and every morning, this is something we have done all our married life, apart from the few times one of us has been in hospital. We make the effort to keep our marriage so special.