This experience is so dramatic it often takes on a spiritual dimension. The partners feel enhanced-better known and accepted for who they are, joined anew. They feel as if they have awakened. Beyond the conflict-and their own selfish version of what's right-they can sense a deeper meaning of their relationship.
This awakening becomes a great divide in the history of their relationship, separating a time of truth from one of ignorance. The partners can then return emotionally to one another and share the wisdom and inner strength they've now gained.
Not every couple goes through this trying time of transformation. Nor can the experience be taken on willfully. It has to emerge through the difficulties of life. Still, there is something heroic about people who have the capacity to sustain crushing disappointment, undergo repeated tests of their relationship, yet feel enhanced by their commitment to each other.
