Every couple faces obstacles that threaten their relationship from time to time, from small problems that need fixing to more substantial ones that erode intimacy or lead to breakdown in communication. Unresolved issues may stifle intimacy and lead to communication breakdown resulting in irreconcilable differences and possibly divorce.
Words can be powerful weapons in an argument; therefore choosing appropriate words to address relationship problems is essential to their resolution.
Don’t blame your partner.
As part of a relationship, it’s crucial that both partners can discuss problems together without shifting blame onto each other. If this seems like it might be happening more frequently than usual, consider visiting a counselor; they can help identify why and provide strategies on how to break this pattern of blame-shifting.
As important, it’s also essential to reflect upon your own behavior and assess if any part of it contributes to the problem. For instance, if you frequently bring up past mistakes and blame your partner for them, seeking professional assistance with conflict resolution as well as how best to cope with feelings of anger and resentment might be worthwhile.
Blame can be an emotional abuse that leads to relationship failure. By narrowing your focus and discussion to winning arguments on particular subjects, blame can cause further separation between you and your partner and leave both feeling disconnected from each other.
In high conflict situations, it can be beneficial to take a timeout and give each other some space; but even when there’s no immediate need to step away, it is still essential that we remain mindful of how we approach conversations in order to find ways of solving our differences without resorting to defensiveness or anger.
Keep in mind that it takes two people to start and sustain a relationship. If you’re the one often finding fault with their partner, perhaps now would be an opportune time to consider whether this relationship is truly suitable for you – this all boils down to how much effort each partner is willing to invest into it.
Be patient
Even healthy relationships have their difficulties at times, and being patient during these moments will help both of you navigate them more smoothly.
One of the primary factors leading to relationship tensions is poor communication. Misunderstandings, frustration and even resentment are all potential results of miscommunication; so learning how to communicate more effectively within your relationship will allow for a reduction of such issues altogether.
Also, it is beneficial to set aside some time with your partner to talk through relationship problems. Doing so can help clarify any misunderstandings and identify what works and doesn’t in your relationship. Furthermore, practicing listening skills allows you to hear their perspective and better comprehend where they’re coming from.
Practice patience to avoid fights and arguments. While it’s easy to say hurtful words in an argumentative moment, this could seriously undermine your relationship. Before reacting to any issue or conflict with another partner, try thinking through how that person might feel first. This should help calm you down and enable more peaceful interaction.
Comparing themselves to other couples is another factor that can cause people to lose patience in relationships, but it’s important to remember that no relationship is perfect and jealousy of other couples should never be tolerated. Furthermore, turning to vices like alcohol, cigarettes or flirting should never be an answer when problems arise in your partnership; such behavior includes drinking too much, smoking cigarettes or attempting to flirt with other people instead of working through your issues together.
Don’t give up.
Every relationship experiences difficulties from time to time, and it’s essential that they be addressed before becoming too stressful. Many couples become so disenchanted with a bad fight or transgression, lack of sexual intimacy or dysfunctional patterns that they reach a breaking point and consider ending it all altogether – when in reality many can overcome such challenges provided they put forth effort into working through them together.
Step one in maintaining a successful relationship should be taking a step back and seeing things from your partner’s viewpoint. This will allow you to determine whether the problem is temporary (such as extra busy or stressed out schedules), or more serious and requires more time and patience to solve. Once this has been established, step two should involve open and honest communications about any concerns that have surfaced as part of an honest discussion about potential solutions with your partner.
As it relates to relationships, it’s also essential that you clearly state your non-negotiables. That means letting your partner know which behaviors will not be tolerated within the relationship, so they respect your boundaries. Furthermore, keep in mind that your needs and wants may change over time so it would be wise to revisit them periodically.
If your relationship is still feeling stagnant or forced upon you, consider seeking professional assistance. Zimmerman and other couples counselors suggest individual or group therapy, which can help address negative thoughts and communication styles with expert guidance. Individual counseling may also provide useful support for coping with past traumas that have left emotional wounds that leave partners feeling distant from them.
Don’t turn to your vices.
If you find yourself embroiled in an intense argument with your girlfriend, it is vital that you do not turn to any vices for comfort as this could lead to further tension within the relationship. Instead, try to relax by thinking through your goals for your relationship and how best to reach them; take some time out of each day for meditation or prayer so your brain can reset.
Apart from abstaining from vices, you should also aim to communicate more effectively with your girlfriend. This means not texting or calling her while she is speaking and not interrupting. Also try using more positive language when conversing with her; negative stories are difficult to dispel in relationships but you can alter the tone by being curious about her viewpoint and asking her for further clarification of her thoughts.
Keep in mind that your girlfriend may have personal issues which are contributing to her state of mind. While it is okay for her to experience occasional bad days or negative moods, persistent negativity should not be tolerated and any suspicion should be brought forward with professional counsellors immediately. If in doubt it is wise to reach out for help.
At such an uncomfortable time, it is vital that you do everything in your power to help cheer up your girlfriend. Do this by giving her a massage, drawing her a warm bath or simply spending quality time together – these activities will help her relax and feel loved – which is an excellent way to combat negativity. Additionally, be sure to tell her how much you value and appreciate her; telling her this can improve communication while showing support during an otherwise trying time.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you haven’t done so already, try sitting down and discussing the issues with your partner. Be sure to set an intention for the conversation and what outcome you hope to see from it; this will allow you to keep the discussion focused without resorting to blame or defensiveness.
At the core of it all lies a realization: every relationship requires support at some point or another. No matter your answers may not always lie within yourself; therefore it’s crucial that both partners voice their concerns and seek solutions that both agree on. If there’s disagreement regarding spending time with friends, perhaps discuss ways in which compromises could be reached between spending days with both groups or even go shopping together!
It is also important not to fear asking for assistance yourself; asking is seen as a sign of strength! Being more independent and self-reliant while building trust between partners.
If you’re having difficulty communicating about issues within your relationship, therapy could be invaluable in providing guidance through tough times. Individual or couples therapy may help ease transitional periods. Therapy also gives individuals and couples opportunities to learn how to better interact and communicate with one another – essential skills necessary for any healthy partnership. So don’t be intimidated to seek professional assistance — you’ll be glad you did!