BREAKING THE ONE-MORE-CHANCE CYCLE MAYBE THIS TIME WILL BE DIFFERENT
“ Just one more chance. ”
It’s a promise many people find themselves making when they’ve started to wonder if their marriage can ever really change. Maybe things will get better after the holidays, when the children have grown up, or once your partner finally gets that promotion at work. When you find yourself giving your spouse chance after chance, but nothing seems to be improving, it can feel like a painful cycle. Though there may be hope for some couples to break that cycle, it could be a sign you’ve given all the chances you can. ANOTHER CHANCE There are many reasons we might stay with someone even though they continue to hurt us. Sometimes, people give their partner another chance because they genuinely want to believe they will make things right. Other times, it’s the fear of financial instability, disrupting the children’s lives, emotional manipulation, or unhealthy relationship dynamics that make the idea of being alone so scary that you accept behaviors. SIGNS OF THE CYCLE If your partner wants to improve the relationship, they will make a real effort. However, sometimes red flags can suggest they are unlikely to rise to the occasion if you give them another chance. If they say sorry but don’t act differently, then repeat the same behaviors, fail to show you they are worried about losing you, or avoid honest conversations, they’re not giving you evidence they are willing to work on things. Your own feelings may also be clueing you in if you feel anxious, hide things about the marriage from your loved ones, or feel drained trying to fix your spouse’s choices.
SAME MISTAKES We all make mistakes, but if someone cares about you, they will hear you when you tell them something has to change. While it’s okay if it takes them some time to work on an issue, if they aren’t making any effort after repeated conversations, another chance might not change that. If your needs are unmet, a divorce may be the path for you to get what you want and need from a partner and life. Contact Bruce Law Firm if you are ready to give yourself the chance for the happiness and love you deserve.
CIDER-BRAISED CHICKEN
Ruby’s prize
INGREDIENTS •
4 slices bacon, chopped
• •
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
•
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 1/2 lbs) 2 medium tart red apples, cored and cut into wedges
• 1 tsp kosher salt •
•
12 oz fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
•
1 12-oz bottle hard cider
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove from pan, reserving drippings in skillet. 2. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook 10 minutes or until browned, turning once; remove from skillet. 3. Add apples to skillet; cook 4 minutes or until browned on both sides; remove from skillet. 4. Discard drippings. 5. Add cider, thyme, mustard, and salt to skillet, scraping up any browned bits. 6. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. 7. Add Brussels sprouts. Cover and cook 5 minutes. 8. Add apples and cook, uncovered, 3–5 minutes more or until chicken is at least 175 F. 9. To serve, divide chicken, Brussels sprouts, and apples among bowls or plates. Spoon cider mixture over top. Sprinkle each with bacon.
Russell horseshowing Angel
561-810-0170 • 3
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