|
Ideas for Helping to Ease a Spouse's Reluctance
- Acknowledge your spouse's concerns and fears; try to listen with interest, not judgment.
- Air and discuss the differences between you, rather than trying to cover them up or smooth them over.
- Don't take a spouse's initial reaction as the final word. When a subject is emotionally charged, people often say things they don't really mean.
- Give a spouse time and space to consider issues as they arise; recognize that people approach change at different speeds.
- Find a support group of other couples considering adoption. Hearing that they, too, have reservations may help both of you.
- If your spouse isn't providing the support and encouragement you need to cope with the rocky adoption process, then seek it from a sympathetic friend or relative.
- See a marriage counselor if you have trouble navigating any of these issues. A reluctant spouse may hear questions and advice better from a neutral observer.
|
