“Verbal Terminosis”CAUTION:

Highly contagious. Should be treated at first sign of infection.

“Perfectomania” Definition:

Unrealistic expectations for a perfect marriage and/or a perfect spouse.

Symptoms: You or your spouse have a

tendency to ignore problems affecting your marriage.

You expect your spouse to look perfect at all times.

You or your spouse expect every moment to be romantic.

You expect your spouse to always be in a good mood.

You have a feeling your spouse is not giving enough.

“Perfectomania” Advanced Stages:

You cannot cope with misunderstanding or disagreement with your spouse.

You experience increasing disenchantment with your spouse and your marriage.

Treatment: Plan and have one, two or more

discussions with your spouse as required.

Apply honesty as you compare your personal expectations with your actual marriage.

Allow equal expression of thoughts and feelings.

Exercise a realistic and an open mind as you and your spouse consider ways to make marriage more satisfying. Be realistic.

“Lacko Affectionitis” Definition:

Lack of affection between you and your spouse.

Symptoms: You must always have a special

occasion to give your spouse a gift.

You have not sincerely said “I Love You” in at least 24 hours.

You seldom kiss your spouse “hello” or “goodbye” in public or private.

There is a decreasing use of verbal endearments between you and your spouse.

You seldom hold your spouse’s hand or display any similar physical affection in public.

“Lacko Affectionitis” Advanced Stages:

You have never been “caught” kissing your spouse by your children.

You consider romance unrealistic.

Treatment: Make one phone call per day to

your spouse “just to talk.” Experience one date per week. Evenly apply verbal endearment

and physical affection. Exercise continuous use of the

words “I Love You” Plan to spend more meaningful

moments together. (see “Companion Minuses”)

“Spouse Modificosis” Definition:

Obsession with remaking your spouse.

Symptoms: You feel uncomfortable with

your spouse’s appearance, habits or personality.

You have a tendency to point out your spouse’s faults.

You have not sincerely complimented your spouse recently (24-48 hours).

You tend to avoid introducing your spouse to friends.

“Spouse Modificosis” Advanced Stages:

Increasing desire to make biting comments to and about your spouse.

As a result of your discomfort with your spouse, you spend less time together. (see: Companion MInusis).

Treatment: Privately determine why your

spouse’s traits are causing you irritation. NOTE: Don’t be too Critical of your spouse’s faults…it may have been those very faults that kept him/her from getting a better mate.

Consider how your behavior could be modified to bring out the best in your partner.

Discuss your problem with your spouse, evenly applying love and support.

Mix well with suggestions of how you can work together to become your “best selves.”

Exercise patience, acceptance, and understanding.