💍 Wedding Bells, Anniversaries, and the Real Work of Love: What Most Couples Don’t See Coming

By Lesa M. Lightfoot, LCSW
Creating Hope Couples Intensives

We’ve just passed through one of the most popular times of the year for weddings—and summer love is still in full swing. Maybe you or someone close to you recently said “I do,” celebrated an anniversary, or is in the middle of planning that big day.

As a therapist who works closely with couples at all stages of their relationships, I’m always tuned into what’s underneath the joy, the vows, and the pretty photos.

This past Sunday, our pastor shared something in his sermon that struck a deep chord. He talked about how, during pre-marital counseling, he often asks couples:
“Do you know what you’re getting ready to get into?”

It’s a humorous question—but also a deeply wise one.

Because eventually, whether it’s two months, two years, or ten years into the relationship...
you will see differences.

That’s not a sign that something is wrong. That’s not a red flag. It’s actually something that all healthy couples experience, and it’s part of a critical phase in relationships called differentiation—a stage first identified in the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, developed by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson of The Couples Institute, my mentors and leaders in this work since 1978.

💡 What Is Differentiation?

Differentiation is the process of recognizing and navigating the truth that you and your partner are not the same person. It’s when you begin to bump into each other’s different needs, preferences, values, pace, and dreams.

In the early stages of love—often called the Symbiotic Stage—everything feels aligned. You love the same things. You finish each other’s sentences. Your differences seem either cute or invisible. You think, “We’re soulmates!”

But around 2 to 3 years in (sometimes earlier, sometimes much later), the brain settles, hormones normalize, and real life moves in. That’s when a couple begins to notice:

• “Why doesn’t he want to talk about emotions the way I do?”

• “She used to be so fun—now she’s always serious.”

• “We’re so different when it comes to money, parenting, or even how we spend a weekend.”

And for many, this creates confusion. Hurt. Even panic.

🤔 Common Misconceptions During Differentiation

Here are a few thoughts I often hear in my therapy office from partners in this phase:

• “We’ve grown apart.”

• “They’ve changed. This isn’t who I married.”

• “If it’s this hard, maybe it means we’re not meant to be together.”

• “I feel so alone. It shouldn’t feel like this.”

If this is you, please know: This is not the end.
This is an invitation into the real work of love—the part that helps you build a strong, mature, intimate partnership.

🌀 One Partner's Journey: A Therapist’s Real-Life Story

One of the stories I often share is from Winifred M. Reilly, M.A., MFT, a couples therapist who, even with her training, found herself stuck in disillusionment and resentment toward her husband—for 20 years.

In her book "It Takes One to Tango", she shares how she decided to shift her focus inward. Rather than trying to change her partner, she started changing her own dance in the relationship. And as she did, her marriage began to change, too. Not overnight—but with steady, meaningful work.

Her journey is a powerful reminder: You don’t have to wait on your partner to grow. Change can begin with you. And yes—one person can change a relationship.

🛠 At Creating Hope Couples Intensives…

I see couples who come to me stuck right in the middle of this differentiation phase. They didn’t get tools early on, and now they’re repeating the same arguments, tiptoeing around one another, or slowly drifting apart.

The good news?
There is hope.

Intensives are a way to step out of the day-to-day and learn what no one taught you about how love evolves—and how to evolve with it.

My message to couples:

Don’t give up just because it’s hard.
Don’t assume struggle means failure.
This may be your turning point—not your ending.

If you’re feeling stuck in disillusionment or navigating the challenge of becoming two strong individuals and a team, let’s talk. Whether it’s been 2 years or 20, there are real tools and real hope.

🕊 And for Those Just Beginning…

I also offer pre-marital counseling to couples who are ready to build a solid foundation. I’ll walk you through the stages every couple goes through—from honeymoon to differentiation, from power struggles to real connection—so that you’re not surprised when differences arise.

You’ll learn how to navigate conflict, stay emotionally connected, and grow stronger through every season of marriage.

Because the truth is:
Love doesn’t fail us. It’s the skills we were never taught that make or break a relationship.

Let’s change that. Let’s equip you with what you need—not just to fall in love, but to stay in love.

📩 Ready to Learn More?

Reach out to me at Creating Hope Couples Intensives. Whether you’re just beginning, feeling stuck, or trying to find your way back to each other—there is hope.

Let’s walk this out—together.

Because love doesn’t fail us—it’s the missing tools that do.
Let’s change that.

📞 Let’s Talk—There Is Hope

Whether you’re newly engaged, celebrating your 25th anniversary, or facing the challenge of disillusionment, you don’t have to do it alone.

📍 Creating Hope Couples Intensives
👤 Lesa M. Lightfoot, LCSW
📞 Call or Text: (931) 477-5171
🌐 www.creatinghopeforcouples.com
📧 Email: creatinghopeforcouples@proton.me

Let’s rediscover the connection that brought you together—and build something even stronger.

About the author

Lesa M. Lightfoot, LCSW, provides virtual and in-person counseling for couples and individuals in Tennessee. She specializes in therapy intensives, allowing her clients to find deep, lasting healing in a short amount of time. For 30 years, Lesa has seen immense success in helping couples build healthier, happier partnerships.