Sarah considered herself a high-need wife with a large love tank. “We just don’t come together intimately enough in my opinion —physically,” she told me.

She asked what I thought about her taking some time away from the marriage with the goal of reconciliation. I said that separation is always potentially dangerous. When you’re in an uncomfortable situation, and you decide to take a break from it for awhile, you think, Why do I ever want to go back into that again when I’m doing okay out here?

If there’s going to be a separation, I always recommend it to be done under good counsel with structure and rules involved. For example, while we’re separated:

• We agree there’s not going to be any outside dating.

• We’re going to separate for the purpose of really working on the relationship

• And we’ll hold ourselves accountable to a process so we don’t get sidetracked with our new feelings.

The goal for the separation should always be to reconcile or restore the relationship. People sometimes think, If I could just dump this guy (or girl) and get with someone else, I’d be happier. It happens a lot. When needs aren’t being met, the tendency may be to just move on instead of really trying to address the issues in a healthy way.

But these same people often find that running away doesn’t solve problems. Unless issues are aired and dealt with, you’ll probably experience the same type of unsatisfying relationship again and again. Changing partners is not the answer.

Of course, it’s a different matter if there’s obvious physical danger or serious emotional danger for yourself or your children. Then, separation is for survival.

The above article comes from the book, Starved for Affection by Dr Randy Carlson, published by Tyndale House Publishers, www.tyndale.com. In this book you’ll find practical help and encouragement to strengthen your connection with your mate in all aspects of your relationship. And in doing so you’ll find the table spread with a banquet of blessings that God as prepared just for you.

Dr Carlson is a licensed marriage and family therapist and is the CEO of Family Life Communications. He hosts OnCall —with Dr. Randy Carlson. To receive Dr Carlson’s free Marriage E-mentoring or latest teaching materials go to www.theintentionallife.com.

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