Personal development

Maybe the Squeaky Wheel Shouldn’t Get the Grease

Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-S December 11, 2023 1 min read Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Image of a complex gear train

We’ve all heard the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” It suggests that we tend to focus on things that are not going well. While this can be good advice, it’s not always the best approach. Sometimes, we pay too much attention to the squeaks at the expense of everything else that is working smoothly. It’s important to provide preventative maintenance to keep the smooth wheels from starting to squeak.

In a healthy relationship, there will be some issues that arise. It’s the parts of the relationship that are working well that balance out the rough spots. The key is to determine which issues are deal-breakers and which ones are simply annoying but not destructive to the relationship as a whole.

So, it’s important to address the squeaks, but don’t forget to take care of the quiet wheels. Neglecting them can cause them to become noisy and create bigger problems down the road. By taking care of all the wheels, you can keep the relationship running smoothly for the long haul.

Taking Care of What Is Working

Couples counseling is not only for relationships in crisis. Sometimes the most valuable work is strengthening what is already good before it starts to break down. Learn more about how Gottman Method tools can help.

Couples Counseling

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Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-S

Jonathan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor with over 25 years of experience. He provides individual, couples, and teen counseling at Gate Healing PLLC, virtually across Texas.

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