Even the strongest relationship has its problems sometimes. From financial woes to infidelity to the pressures of parenting, there are so many road bumps waiting to shake a relationship.
That’s the bad news – but the good news is that many relationship problems can be solved. With a bit of care and commitment you can get through many common issues and emerge stronger.
Are you feeling stressed out in your relationship? Let’s take a look at 8 relationship problems and how to solve them.
Financial Worries
Financial issues are a leading cause of stress in relationships. If you have more money going out than you have coming in, or your partner tends to be reckless with spending, you’ll soon find yourself stressed out and getting short tempered with each other.
What to do: It’s time for a heart to heart, even if it’s stressful. Decide on a household budget that you can both agree on, and stick to it. Remember to factor in some funds for fun spending, if you have enough income to do so.
Jealousy
The green eyed monster can rear its ugly head at any point in a relationship. Sometimes it’s about someone you see as a potential threat, but not always. Jealousy can just as easily arise if you perceive you notice your partner is prioritizing a relative, friend, or colleague over you.
What to do: First, fact check yourself. How much of what’s happening is genuinely something your partner is doing, and how much is insecurity? If, insecurity is an issue for you, work on that first. Be honest with your partner about how you’re feeling and work out a way you can deal with it together, too.
Poor Communication
Poor communication can put stress on any relationship. If you find yourselves sniping at each other over the little things, or turning every disagreement into a fight that leaves one or both of you feeling wounded, there is room for improvement in your communications.
What do to: Good communication is a skill that can be learned. Practice listening to what your partner says without judgment, and encourage them to do the same. Learn how to communicate your needs without getting angry or shouting at your partner.
Infidelity
Infidelity has the potential to rock even the happiest of relationships. It strikes at the heart of your relationship and leaves you questioning everything. Does it mean the relationship is over? Not necessarily. If you and your partner both truly want to make it work, you can – but it takes serious commitment from both of you.
What to do: Have a serious talk about what you both want out of the relationship. If you are both 100% committed to making it work, then it’s time to slowly unpack what happened, and why, and what each of you needs now.
Chores
Chores are part of everyday life, yet they have the power to cause some pretty big fights! If you find both of you are quibbling over whose turn it is to take out the trash or feed the cat, animosity and resentment will soon build.
What to do: Agree on a plan of who is responsible for each chore, and stick to it. Of course you’ll need to be flexible at times if one of you is sick or extra busy, but in general you should both feel your partner is doing their fair share.
Not Enough Time For Each Other
As life gets busy it’s all too easy for your relationship to take a back seat. Sometimes it seems like you can hardly remember the last time you had a quiet meal without the kids, or a conversation that wasn’t about work.
What to do: Schedule regular time for each other, every single week. Whether it’s a date night, a morning coffee date, or a leisurely brunch every Saturday, make time for your relationship, no matter how busy you are.
Parenting Worries
Parenting can be wonderful and stressful in equal measure – sometimes in a single day. If you’ve got a restless little one keeping you up at night, or one struggling in school, it can put a lot of stress on your relationship.
What to do: No matter how busy you are, it’s time to sit down and figure out what your family needs. How can you each support each other and your kids more, so everyone can have a happier outcome?
Career Stress
We spend so much of our time at work, and when the going gets tough in the office, the stress soon carries over to your home life. If you’re arriving home upset, or constantly interrupting dinner or chill time to check the latest message on your phone, your relationship will suffer.
What to do: Make a conscious effort to leave work in the office only. Set aside some phone free time at least once a week where you both agree to switch off and just focus on each other, or on time together with your kids. Give your relationship breathing room where your work is not in the picture.
Most relationship problems can be resolved if you work on them as a team, and make your relationship a priority in your life. Follow these practical action steps and before you know it, the future will look brighter.
Rachael Pace
Latest posts by Rachael Pace (see all)
- 8 Relationship Problems and How To Solve Them - September 18, 2017
Recent Comments