Thorns and Roses in Relationships
You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses. ~ Unknown
We wanted to share a gift one of our clients gave us. She told us about a game her family plays called "Thorns and Roses." At dinner, each family member goes around the table and describes one low point of their day (thorn) and one high point of their day (rose). What a great way to encourage families to share and communicate.Since our kids are away at college we thought about adapting this for couples so we could play and suggest this game to clients.Here's how it goes:A thorn represents anything your partner did that irritated, annoyed or bothered you - something small or large which left unspoken would become resentment. A rose represents something your partner did that you were grateful for - something about him/her that you truly appreciated.Some days choose to share thorns and roses; other days give only roses, but never give just thorns.
When you accept the rose, you must also accept the thorns.
~ UnknownWe would love to know what you think about thorns and roses on our Facebook page.Here’s to your relationship,Lori and Bob Hollander
Lori Hollander, LCSW-C, BCD, and Bob Hollander, LCSW-C, JD, are licensed counselors and co-founders of Relationships Work, an innovative therapy practice and online resource center that gives couples 360 degrees of support for extraordinary partnerships. Sign up for Radical Relationships, a monthly eZine from Relationships Work, and receive Why Take the Journey to Extraordinary? absolutely free.