What to do about mild conflict?

* Recognise what is happening before it becomes serious.
* Apply some of the basic communication skills
* Seek advice from other devotee couples (mentors, counsellors, etc.)

What to do about serious conflict?

* Remember the commitment you have made before Krishna, family, friends and other Vaishnavas. Let this commitment energize you to get help and pray sincerely for strength, guidance and to forgive and be forgiven.
* Practice overlooking the few small things that you don’t like about your spouse and keep reminding yourself of the good that exists.
* Develop communication and conflict resolution skills through education, books, workshops, seminars, courses, etc.
* Get marriage counselling (but be careful, extremely careful from whom you take advice or counsel.)
* Temporarily separate, if necessary, in order to see the problem more clearly and to get help.

What to do about the prospect of divorce?

* See all the points above
* Carefully evaluate the results of divorce for all concerned (see consequences of divorce)
* Clearly establish whether there is legitimate cause for permanent separation or divorce.

!Surprise: The vast majority of unhappily married couples in the U.S. apparently improve if they stay married.

Almost all families have highs and lows. Statistically, 30% of all divorces in America are highly conflicted; the other 70% can be restored, revitalized.

This is an excerpt from the GVT course, Strengthening the Bonds that Free Us