Most pride themselves on their individuality but if relationships are any indication of that individuality, we’re more similar than we like to think. We each have our own love style and take our own approach to relationships but there are those common relationship problems everyone runs into at some point in his/her romance. You can probably list a few right off the top of your head. These relationship issues are annoying and frustrating but they happen.
Let’s go over seven of the most common relationship problems
1. Compromised communication
Many of us have no problem expressing ourselves in other instances but love and devotion seem to compromise our communication skills. The truth for most is, after some time passes, you just get lazy in the communication department. Couples, whether married or not, have to commit to sitting down on a regular basis and chatting about the important things along with displaying a certain level of receptiveness during these talks.
In addition to that, we all have to become more mindful of how we talk to loved ones. Mindfulness combined with putting positive language to good use drastically improves communication. As long as both halves feel heard and understood, even talks about insignificant topics strengthens a bond. Also, do not forget about nonverbal communication.
Being in love brings a deep connection that you don’t have with another person. Taking the time to understand how each other’s minds work improves nonverbal communication. Being able to give your partner a look and know what he/she is saying is beautiful. Work towards that goal by really talking and talking often.
2. Sex
Sex is another biggie often found at the top of the list of marriage problems specifically. In many cases, one person is interested, the other is not and before you know it, there are issues. Needs must be met in order for a relationship to work. Intercourse is more than physical satisfaction. That part of it is great but when sex leaves a relationship, couples miss out on connecting emotionally and mentally.
Sex is a very intimate act that involves chemistry. Hormones are released to keep the chemistry alive and the intimacy promotes closeness.
Sex also has a special way of helping us better understand our partners.
Rather than allowing sex to lead to other relationship issues, make time for it and take the steps necessary to ensure that both partners enjoy it. Try new things, explore, play and get a little wild. For many, anticipation is all he/she needs to get back in the swing of things so mark in on the calendar (a personal calendar of course).
3. Money
Another on the list of marriage problems but can happen in any partnership are money problems. Money can cause tension in relationships. Life isn’t perfect. Some are in debt, others are quite frugal while many have a hard time reaching their financial goals. Whatever the issue is, you have probably been aware of it for quite some time. Rather than allowing money to continually cause conflict, develop a solution together.
Come up with a plan, decide what each other must do to improve finances, follow through, check in often, and see your situation improve. Couples can get so caught up in their worries and concerns that they spend more time fighting than working on improving the situation.
Money is a tough topic but when frustrations concerning it are properly addressed, communication remains open and both partners actively work towards a goal or solution, it no longer burdens the relationship.
4. Trust
Oftentimes, trust issues are simply insecurities rearing their ugly heads but it can also be a result of an event that happened in the past. Whatever the root of the problem is, address it immediately. Trust is a necessity in any healthy relationship. If insecurity is the problem, it is time for self-reflection and self-improvement. Partners can actually work together to build confidence both individually and in the relationship which will establish more trust.
As for the past being the root of the problem, work through it together and take the steps to rebuild any lost trust. Establish an understanding with one another, apologize, if necessary, be open and honest about where you stand, ask your partner to do the same, commit to following through on promises made and support one another during this process.
Those having difficulty with the process may want to consider seeing a counselor that specializes in relationship/marriage problems.
5. Time
Many relationship problems stem from a lack of time. A relationship requires that both partners devote enough time to it.
This involves spending time with your partner like going on dates and making time for intimacy, taking the time to focus on their needs, them doing the same for you and so forth. Schedules can get in the way of this but taking the initiative to fit love into your schedule does a lot of good. Although time is important, focus on quality more than quantity.
6. You are not very fond of their family or friends
May be your partner’s buddies are not your friends just as yet or you don’t dig them at all and find them unbearable. Or there is something about your partner’s sister that puts you off – may be the way she talks, brags, or acts standoffish. May be you are trying to fix your equation with your mother in law, but it seems like a lost battle.
If you and your partner are butting heads over it often, then chances are that it’s affecting your relationship. It’s best to reach a middle ground and make peace with atleast some of the “peeves”. Let your partner enjoy their time with their friends and family separately, without you having to be a part of that get-together, necessarily.
Utilize that time to engage yourself in an activity that rejuvenates you or carry out tasks that have long pending in your to-do list.
This helps in ruling out the extremes. Your spouse doesn’t have to cut the chord with their friends or be caught in crosshairs, choosing between you and them. Nor, do you have to bend backwards to reach out to them in a desperate bid to impress your partner.
7. Not sharing common interests
Having nothing in common can wreak havoc on your relationship with your partner with continued clashes, frustration and differences. It leaves both you of you leading separate, disconnected lives.
While you don’t have to be clones of each other, with each of you sharing exactly the same behavioral traits, it’s best to forge romantic relationships with people who share a common ground with you.
