Spiritual closeness

If you have followed this column for any length of time, you know that I believe a large part of our spiritual connection is the relationship with our spouse or partner. After all, this is the person in all the world who knows us best and accepts us (hopefully) with all our faults.

I talk to a lot of men who do not feel close to their partner for some reason. Many times it is a long-held grudge or long-standing issue that seems intractable.

My experience is that there are very few truly irreconcilable differences. More often there is a great deal of pride that gets in the way on both sides. If you are in a strained relationship, my suggestion is to do some thorough introspection and own up to your part. Then make an overture to start anew and have the close relationship you have wanted.