The Third Option is a non denominational on-going support group with educational components. It can be a new beginning, or reconciliation, or problem solving .... It WILL be what YOU make it. Many couples call it their "date night".

There is no cost. We meet most every Thursday night in Pensacola. Call Dan Berube or Louise Ritz  for more info. at 850-458-7727 or 850-435-3533 or go the national web site for more info www.thethirdoption.com

Does my spouse have to come? - No. You may come as an individual. It is advantageous if your spouse is willing. However, if he/she is not, we prefer you come alone. Any effort to force participation can only make matters worse.

Our marriage is fine - The biggest mistake couples make is to ignore or not admit they have some issues. Then they wait too long to get help. If you recognize the symptoms of disillusionment in your marriage, get help NOW.

• Marriage is a tremendous investment in time, emotions, memories, your whole way of life. It is a lot to risk losing.

• Your sanity: suffering confusion, doubts, strong emotions? Perhaps you feel out of control. Working things through will help

Pain: A good marriage is hard work, but no more than an unhappy marriage. The work can be painful, but not as painful as divorce. Divorce is expensive and the pain never really ends

Run away....If you run or hide, your problems will follow. It is important to understand what is happening and how to avoid it in the future.

Health: Discord often brings stress related symptoms. Love in marriage is healthier for you both.

Children are a good reason to work on your relationship, besides, building up your marriage teaches them how to live. Your family is worth fighting for.

Remember: you married in love and for a reason...You can revive those reasons and...that love.

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SYMPTOMS OF DISILLUSIONMENT

You talk less and fight more

You fear you are growing apart.

You spend less and less time with each other (even in the same room)

More and more subjects are "of limits"

Either of you has thought of leaving...or has left!

Either of you has lost interest in sex or even touching

You suspect an affair or entertain fantasies of an affair for yourself

You feel trapped, misunderstood, taken for granted, hurt or angry

You wonder.....IS THIS ALL THERE IS!

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Topics we discuss at TTO

Building a climate of respect

Responsibility and the "blame game"

Understanding expectations

Re-defining the power struggle

Control issues

Listening "beyond the words"

Personality differences

Childhood issues and emotional baggage

Handling anger constructively

Speaking the "truth in love"

How to fight fair: Conflict Resolution

Feelings and "the hurt cycle"

Forgiveness and repair

Rebuilding trust

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The Third Option is sponsored by the Department of Marriage and Family Life Ministries, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

This program is available in Pensacola and Tallahassee, for the possible availability in other areas contact Family Life at the numbers below.

For information regarding The Third Option, contact the Family Life Office at 850-435-3533; Email ritzl@ptdiocese.org (re: The Third Option);

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This program is presented by couples who have rediscovered their own marriage through The Third Option. These couples have walked the walk They share their stories, and their successes. They are a resource and encouragement as you take the walk to magnificence in your own marriage.

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