During a separation or divorce, negative interpretations occur when you interpret your spouse’s behavior much more negatively than he or she intended. It is critical that you open yourself to seeing the possibility that your view of your partner could be unfair in some areas. These questions will help you reflect on this idea.
1. Can you think of some areas in which you consistently see your partner’s behavior as negative?
2. Reflect on this awhile. Do you really think that your negative view of his or her behavior is Justified?
3. Are there some areas in which you have a negative interpretation but are open to considering that you may be missing evidence to the contrary?
4. List two or more issues for which you are willing to push yourself to look for the possibility that your partner has more positive motivations than you have been thinking he or she has. Next, look for the evidence that is contrary to your negative interpretation.
