05/24/2021
Triangles are so common. If you start to look, you’ll see them everywhere. Example: couple comes in for therapy. Partner 1 is hurt that every time they fight, Partner 2 calls their mom to talk about it. Partner 1’s mother in law knows far more details than they’re comfortable with. Partner 2 doesn’t feel like they can turn to anyone else other than their mom for support. This is a triangle!
No one in this example is “wrong”. It’s a product of circumstance and is a reflection of the dynamics in the relationship. If we can strengthen the trust, closeness and respect in the partner relationship, the need for the triangulated mother in law diminishes.