relationship counselor san diego

Gold Digger. I’m not talking about gold diggers from the California Gold Rush. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase commented upon some women, men, too, but this article is focusing on women, “she’s a gold digger,” a person whose romantic pursuit of, relationship with, or marriage to a wealthy person is primarily or solely motivated by a desire for money. I find this phrase insulting when the woman in question happens to have her own resources. Meaning she makes a good living for herself. In my opinion, this phrase isn’t so reactive from men as it is for women. I believe men who say this about their women do so to place their insecure selves in a “one up” position. I also believe if a woman is with a man who continues to position himself in a “one up” position should carefully examine why she’s with him to begin with. But to say she’s a gold digger is surpassing any boundaries of good intent. And when confronted with this derogatory term, if any behavior exercised other than remorse and regret, I wouldn’t waste any time defending this form of domestic violence.

Materialistic Woman and Gold Digger Lady Concept

Abuse isn’t always physical. Domestic violence aka Intimate Partner violence has been widely known to include physical, emotional and sexual. Whatever form of abuse often follows an escalating pattern where the controlling behaviors worsen over time. What’s scary is the abusive partner may use oppression systems already set in our society to assert their bad behavior against the other person. These perpetrators of domestic violence are highly intelligent individuals who scare their victims into situations that are highly conflictual and dangerous resulting in Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. As domestic violence is ongoing and tends to escalate PTSD is what keeps victims in this toxic cycle. No one wants to remain in an abusive relationship. Victims feel shame and a sense of helplessness because they stay in a situation they know is beyond bad.

Teasing name calling or “put downs” also place a women in a “one down” position. When being criticized for what you say or do is also abuse. Having to live in the perpetrator’s reality is also abuse as their reality is typically that of “one up” and “one down.” Common sense would dictate leaving such a relationship but again due to the subtle and ongoing trauma that keeps you in a “one down” position PTSD keeps them stuck in the cycle of abuse. I work with highly intelligent well read women who hold post doctorate degrees who are absolutely disappointed with their lack of being able to leave these toxic relationships.

In Alyce LaViolette’s bestseller, “It Could Happen To Anyone: Why Battered Women Stay” states just that. All women not matter race, age, socio-economic level, or education level, are at risk of entering the cycle of abuse. By developing a greater sense of self you prevent yourself from that possibility and developing a support system where resources lead you to that exit.

So the next time someone tells you or you hear the term gold digger directed at an innocent victim, speak up and correct the slight. Domestic abuse is nothing to laugh about.

Call me at (858) 735-1139 for more information.

When To Become Engaged. When is the right time to get engaged? After dating one year, two years, three? In reality it could be after a few months or even decades. Male and females have different perspectives about marriage. Research indicates men benefit from marriage more than females. So why do some men hesitate moving forward? As much as getting engaged is exciting it can be very scary for men because life as they know it is about to change. Young men associate marriage with increased responsibilities and with a greater possibility of financial loss. Men begin to see themselves as fathers, providers, and protectors when they transition into marriage. But change is the biggest factor.

Some couples get engaged prematurely and neglect getting premarital counseling. These couples also tend to marry for the wrong reasons. Some young adults get married because their peers are getting married. Other reasons can include pressure from family, timing, desire for children, etc. I’m working with a 32 year old female, Gloria, who now lives with her boyfriend, Greg, 33 years old, of two years. They have been on and off but want to make a go of moving forward where marriage is in their future. Gloria broke it off months ago as she claimed Greg had some behavioral issues she wanted adjusted. They have acquired tools to become more communicative, however, Gloria still has issues with Greg. We work through the issues in couples counseling. Greg has tried to demonstrate his ability to make the changes requested but Gloria still complains about outstanding issues.

One outstanding issue is the topic of when they are going to get engaged. She states she is not getting any younger and most of her girlfriends are getting married. She doesn’t expect to get married right away but would like to be engaged. Some young women get wrapped up in the whole “happily ever after” fantasy where they get their ring, wedding, and prince charming. They tend to think after marriage all their issues will be less stressful. In reality, if issues are not resolved they become worse after marriage.

When asked how long a couple should date before getting engaged, I say it all depends. It’s appropriate to get engaged when:

• Both partners have a healthy sense of self
• The female maintains her sense of self
• They are no longer in the Honeymoon Stage of their relationship
• Both partners allow time to know each other in good situations and challenging ones
• Both partners can demonstrate identifying and exercising appropriate behavior
• Both can demonstrate effective communication and problem solving skills
• Issues are managed and resolved
• Premarital counseling has been completed

Society and family could put a lot of pressure on getting engaged and marrying. If it’s not your choice to do so then don’t rush it. Getting engaged is an important decision. Make sure you move forward for the right reasons so there are not regrets. If your partner is the one pressuring you, perhaps that person isn’t the right partner. Getting married because you want a ring and a wedding is definitely a red flag for any man or woman. A substantial woman makes for a grounded wife. A grounded wife makes for a very good mother. A man making the decision to propose is his choice. When the choice is his the outcome for a harmonious life is in the future.

Call me for more information about your relationship and where’s its headed at (858) 735-1139 or visit my website at CouplesCounselorSanDiego.com