The Consolidated Couple Stage Living together over the years, couples accommodate countless changes. With children, there are the stages of childhood, adolescence, and child-rearing—years during which the marital relationship often takes a backseat to family responsibilities. During this time, the desire to be together is less imperative, and each spouse may become more involved with separate interests. ( θεραπεια ζευγους ) Lack of intimacy and/or sexual desire can increase parenting difficulties and stress a couple's relationship. Monotony, or the risk of emotional distancing, can create insecurity. Other external tensions can also emerge through the involvement of third parties or families of origin. The Mature Couple Stage As time goes by, the children grow up and become independent; then the couple is left to themselves again. Again, new changes need to be adapted to, like retirement, or the addition of in-laws and grandchildren into the family circle. The "empty nest...