Every relationship goes through rough patches. Read on to learn the most common relationship issues couples deal with and how to fix them.
These days, the average relationship only lasts for two years and nine months.
During that time, a number of problems are bound to arise. Couples who stand the test of time aren’t free of relationship issues, they just handle them in the right way.
Romance doesn’t have to die just because you hit a bump in the road. In fact, it can grow even stronger after a conflict. In this post, we’ll tell you what the most common relationship pitfalls are and how to get over them.
Relationship Issues Almost Every Couple Face
Here’s how to make your relationship last.
1. Lack of Communication
Communication is one of the most important factors in any relationship. If you and your partner aren’t doing enough of it, things aren’t likely to last very long.
Everyone’s style of communication is different. Some people are great at talking about their feelings and opinions, while others tend to be more reserved and bottle things up. Either way, you need to understand and adapt to your partner’s style.
When your partner talks, listen intently. Instead of interrupting or spending time thinking about how you’re going to respond, simply listen first. Lots of people fail to do this.
Also, when something’s bothering you, let your partner now. How can they know they’ve annoyed or upset you if you’ve never told them? Even if they know you inside-out, they can’t read your mind.
Communication can help you build a foundation for everything else. If you have great communication with your partner, you can get through lots of other issues, too.
2. Spending Too Much Time Together
When you’re in love, it’s common to want to spend all your time with your partner. While it’s cute that you can’t bear to be apart, it’s not entirely healthy to be in each other’s pockets all the time.
Being with your partner all the time can feel suffocating after a while, no matter how much you love them.
You need to leave room for your own individual growth. That means having your own hobbies, your own time, and your own circle of friends. Of course, you’ll have lots of mutual friends as well, but it’s good to have people you can go to for objective advice from time to time.
As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it’s good to spend a little time apart. Otherwise, you might get sick of each other!
3. Infidelity
Cheating is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a relationship.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how common cheating is, since people aren’t always honest about it, and people have varying standards for what constitutes cheating. However, we all know someone who has either done it or had it happen to them.
If it happens in your relationship, it doesn’t have to be the end of it. Couples can get over infidelity if they really want to.
You have to be willing to have an open and honest conversation about why it happened and how it affected you. Once trust has been broken and pain has been caused, it takes a lot of work to rebuild things again, but it is possible.
4. Constant Arguments
Some people think that never arguing is the sign of a great relationship. That’s not necessarily true. Arguments are inevitable, and they can even be positive. It’s how you handle them that’s important.
Are you and your partner having the same argument over and over again? That’s a red flag, and it probably means that underlying issues are going unresolved. If you can’t resolve them, you may just be incompatible!
To have arguments in a healthy way, hear each other out. Always do it privately, and never resort to name-calling or taking cheap shots. Arguments should always be respectful.
Once it’s all over, talk it out and make a compromise over how you can move forward as a couple. That way, you can avoid having the same issue again.
5. Vices or Addictions
Does your partner have a habit that’s destroying your relationship? Is your spouse constantly nagging you to give up something you just can’t quit?
Whether it’s alcohol addiction, drugs, gambling, shopping, or disordered eating, a vice can drive a wedge between a couple. It’s important to be supportive and encourage healthy behavior. Allowing it to continue could be toxic.
6. You Take Each Other for Granted
During the honeymoon period, you might have been pinching yourself and thinking of how lucky you were to have your partner. After a while, the novelty starts to wear off and you start to take them for granted.
This is normal for any couple. However, it’s important to show your appreciation. When someone starts to feel unappreciated, resentment starts to build, and that can kill a relationship.
Let your partner know how much you appreciate them by thanking them for what they do for you and telling them how you feel about them. You don’t have to make grand gestures (although that’s nice on special occasions), just make your feelings known.
You can do this through little comments, messages, or even notes left around the house.
7. Money Problems
Money is one of the biggest causes of marital problems.
Perhaps you don’t agree with your spouse’s spending habits. If you’re sharing income and expenses, it’s a good idea to devise a budget as a couple. Then, do your best to stick to it.
Big disparities in earnings between couples can also cause tension. Does it bother you that your partner earns more than you do? Think about why that is, as that may be an issue that you have to tackle by yourself.
Guidance for Couples in Crisis
Are you experiencing any of these relationship issues for yourself?
You don’t have to go it alone.
At Blair Wellness Group, a team of specialists is ready to help you with any relationships problems you may have. We can offer counseling and a range of different therapies to get to the root of your issues.
Contact us to find out how we can help you.