Linda and Charlie Bloom. Photo courtesy of the Dr. Pat Show.

Just because you have differences with your mate does not mean your relationship is destined for the rubbish heap, National Association of Social Workers members Charlie and Linda Bloom said in this column in Huffington Post.

No relationship, or mate, is perfect, said Charles Bloom, MSW, and Linda Bloom, LICSW. Partners should not take differences personally but look at them as opportunities to improve their relationships and themselves.

Here is part of what they wrote:

Though conflict may not be avoidable in marriage, it is not necessarily a foreshadowing of doom. Differences in opinions, feelings, temperaments, and even values are an inherent aspect of relationship. In fact, we generally select partners who will help us to expand our inner and outer lives by offering a life perspective that differs from our own.

Charles and Linda Bloom have been married since 1972 and are nationally recognized relationship experts. They are also authors of the books “101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married” and “Secrets of Great Marriages.”

Social workers help people improve their connections to others. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Relationships consumer website.