Abuelaish founded Daughters for Life after an Israeli tank shelled his home in the Gaza Strip and killed his three daughters.  I cannot imagine the pain in this event nor how you keep yourself from becoming bitter.  His response – to create good – is inspiring.  He became an advocate for peace via empowering and educating women in the area to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I also think his premise – that hatred and war only create losers – is relevant for struggling relationships.  Rages, criticisms, attacks, frustration all lead into negative downward spirals of problem-response-response---and harden us from being able to be compassionate.

How do you get out of a relationship ‘war’ if you are in one?  First, get educated about ADHD and responses to ADHD.  (My couples seminar is a great place to start if you haven’t taken it yet.)  Next, focus on yourself.  You can’t control your partner, but what can you do to seek compromise?  To find the positives?  To experience more joy?  Finally, you can decide that you no longer wish to fight.  Instead of engaging, set up a verbal cue to de-escalate disagreements.  Politely walk away.  Be careful to be sensitive when bringing up difficult conversations.

You must come to a mutual understanding if your relationship is to survive, let alone thrive.

What are you most often at war about, and how might you de-escalate the situation?

Need help ending the "war"?  My couples seminar PLUS a special series for couples who have completed the couples seminar - both start in January 2019. Also starting in January are support groups for ADHD and Non-ADHD partners, and my anger workshop.  Is it time to thrive?

You can find great resources for couples impacted by ADHD at adhdmarriage.com, including free:

• -   Online treatment overview;

  -   Downloadable chapters of my books;

  -   A community forum with other couples facing similar issues;

    -   A large number of blog posts on various topics;

    -   Referrals.

Is your relationship in trouble? Consider my highly acclaimed couples' course: ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - This 8-session phone seminar has helped many couples thrive in healthier, happier relationships. The Live session starts January 15, 2019.

Is your relationship in pretty good shape but you'd love to feel closer? Consider my self-study seminar Recovering Intimacy in Your Relationship.

Is Anger an unwanted contributor in your relationship? The next session starts January 3, 2019.

Adult ADHD can have a huge impact on your relationship. ADHDmarriage.com can literally change your life!  Question? Contact Melissa.

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