Dallas, Texas

"That all sounds very positive. I'm pleased to hear that you've talked through some of your issues and come to an agreement for how you want things to happen in the future", expressing his genuine happiness at the obvious changes and improvements in their marriage, Doctor Williams paused for a moment before approaching the less pleasant part of the situation. "If you don't mind me asking, did you discuss actionable plans for the future? By that I mean, alongside discussing the goals you want to achieve and making promises to each other, did you also talk about how you're going to approach situations differently in the future? In order for your marriage to be a success from now on, as well as changing attitudes and behaviours, you both need to handle common problems differently to how you did in the past, and if possible, avoid areas in life that are known triggers for problems you've faced in the past. There will be a time in the future where those situations won't hold the same appeal or temptation, but at the moment, it's too soon to experiment and take chances. The last thing you want to happen now, after all of the problems, the separation and the reunion is to fall right back into a cycle of negativity and upset". Directing his question at both JR and Sue Ellen and then explaining why he was asking, Doctor Williams waited for an answer, though from the blank looks on each of their faces and then the way they looked at each other as he finished speaking, he already knew the answer to his question.

Clearing his throat after a long pause, JR spoke, "well, I wouldn't exactly call it an actionable plan, but we did discuss boundaries and I made a lot of commitments, commitments that I don't intend to break. As for temptations and bad situations, I'd like to remind you that I have not been unfaithful to Sue Ellen since the drunken mistake I made last December, I no longer do the kind of work that puts temptations right in front of me and I am committed to being a loving, faithful and honest husband. I understand how much my lies and deceit hurt Sue Ellen and our marriage and I know that I never want to experience the feelings I did when we were separated ever again, so I honestly believe that this time, everything will work out. I'm not saying it'll be easy, but I understand things better now, so I think we really do have a chance this time", looking over at Sue Ellen as he spoke, his mood deflated a little when he saw her facial expression; she looked happy, but also a little conflicted, as if perhaps she didn't entirely believe him anymore. "Sue Ellen? Are you ok? Please darlin', talk to me" ignoring Doctor Williams' presence for a moment, he turned his attention to his wife and looked her in the eye as he spoke.

Facing JR, Sue Ellen waited for a few seconds before responding to him. Although she believed her husband and didn't distrust him, Doctor Williams' words had been a reality check and the issues that still remained up in the air were all on her mind again. They did need to make a real plan for the future, one that would work toward eliminating the possibility of problems before they even began. "Yes… I'm fine. This whole conversation just got me thinking. I love you JR and I don't want to have to face any more unnecessary and avoidable problems in our marriage, and while I believe that you have the best intentions and that we really have a chance to be happy now, I also don't think that what Doctor Williams is suggesting is such a bad idea". She was confident that they were in a good marital positon when it came to promises of faithfulness, however, she was also aware that there were still other external issues, especially familial issues, that had the potential to cause conflict between them or put them in unpleasant situations. With those thoughts on her mind and first-hand experience of personal success due to following some of Doctor Williams previous advice, she really was interested in listening to what he had to say and making changes to the way she and JR approached things in the future.

Crinkling his forehead in confusion at her words, JR nodded and then responded, "of course darlin'. I suppose I didn't respond clearly enough before. I wasn't attempting to get out of talking about our problems and trying to combat potential issues prior to them becoming real issues, all I was doing was reaffirming my commitment to our relationship and marriage. I know I've said it many, many times before, but I want you to know that I'm serious. We'll talk about whatever you want, or whatever Doctor Williams thinks we should talk about. I'm all in. I mean it". He was unsure of whether his words really meant anything anymore, because he'd said them so many times but there were still times where still seemed to act in a somewhat formal, distant and cautious manner when it came to discussing their relationship, however, he reiterated his point again anyway, because it couldn't hurt to be clear about his feelings. Receiving a smile and a sigh of relief in response to his answer, he felt an equal amount of relief inside him. He didn't understand her sometimes, she had two very distinct and different personalities and while it wasn't unusual for her to switch suddenly, he didn't quite understand why she'd done it just now. They'd started the day and their appointment in a good place, she had been strong, direct and to the point about what she wanted and she'd happily participated in discussing the new developments in their relationship, but then something had suddenly changed, and he couldn't work out what that something was. There was no reason for her to be shy or cautious around him, they were far beyond the point in their relationship where things were new and she didn't understand where the boundary lines were in relation to what she could and couldn't say without getting an over the top negative reaction. Hearing Doctor Williams clear his throat in preparation to say something, he filed his thoughts away as a topic to revisit sooner rather than later and then turned his attention back to the present; his wife appeared to be in better spirits now than she had just a few moments ago and for now, that's what mattered.

Observing JR and Sue Ellen's verbal and non-verbal communication, Doctor Williams made a note to dig deeper into what had just happened in Sue Ellen's mind, because it was clear that something had happened; right now though, they had another topic to discuss. "Good, well, now that that's decided, shall we begin our discussion? I suggest we start by listing your shared overall goals, wants and needs, and then we'll move on to discussing boundaries, potential issues and creating plans to work through issues as they occur, without allowing them to become detrimental to your marriage". Receiving a nod from both JR and Sue Ellen, he was pleased when Sue Ellen began to speak, and from her tone of voice, whatever cautious thoughts and feelings she'd just had were now in the past. He intended to find the underlying cause of their relationship issues, but it was probably going to take a little longer than he'd originally expected; JR and Sue Ellen Ewing were a very complicated couple.

To be continued…