If you and your partner have been having ongoing issues in your relationship but aren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet, you may be looking for solutions that don’t involve breaking up or getting a divorce. The first step to solving your relationship problems is to identify them. Many couples fight, but aren’t exactly sure what the root cause is. Below are 3 common reasons why relationships fail, and some strategies to help you get your relationship back on track.
- Lack of Communication – Without effective and adequate communication, most relationships won’t stand the test of time. Learning how to communicate effectively with your partner helps to solidify the cohesiveness of your relationship. Having good communication skills also helps you and your spouse to wade through murky waters when inevitable couples issues arise. When you and your partner are able to clearly communicate your wants, needs, and desires to each other, this deepens the intimacy of the relationship and can make for smoother sailing than simply trying to wing it as you go along.
- Mental Health Issues – If you or your partner suffer from mental illness or chronic mental health issues like chronic anxiety, depression, burnout, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) these issues can take a serious toll on your relationship if left untreated. When one partner is suffering from mental health issues, it is difficult to identify where relationship troubles end and mental health issues begin. If one of you is struggling with mental health issues, it is critical for you to take care of your mental health by making visits to your primary care physician and a licensed therapist.
- Unclear Boundaries/Expectations – When you and your partner began your relationship, did you take the time to establish healthy boundaries and guidelines for how you want your relationship to work before the problems arose? Most couples don’t establish the guidelines and expectations that they have for their partner’s level of commitment in the beginning of their relationships. This can lead to an imbalanced relationship where one partner feels like they are constantly giving more to the relationship than the other. In many cases, this is due to not setting proper expectations with your partner before trouble begins.
If you aren’t ready to call it quits, take this opportunity to learn from your relationship struggles — and face them head on with a positive, can-do attitude.