Every relationship has its highs and lows. The challenges couple face can tear them apart, or bring them closer. That’s why it’s vital to know the top relationship problems and solutions. When you’re aware of them, you can be ready to fight for your love.
Many of the following relationship problems and solutions may seem straightforward. But, trust me, the solutions take time and effort to put into place. In the end, though, it will be worth it! Now, keep reading to learn about the top five relationship problems and solutions.
Relationship Problems and Solutions: Top 5
Bad Communication
Problem:
Either too much or too little may be an issue. If you leave things unsaid or say things disrespectfully, there will be friction. Many relationship problems and solutions boil down to communication.
Further, poor communication means you won’t be able to plan together. You’ll have a hard time setting and meeting expectations. Also, creating boundaries requires good communication. So, if any of this communication is missing, you’ll run into many issues. As a result, the relationship may become rocky, You and your partner will be unhappy and frustrated with each other.
Solution:
First, if you see this is an issue, set aside neutral time to talk to your partner. If you’re in the middle of a fight, don’t start digging into this. Bad communication habits require thoughtful solutions. And those solutions come when you have productive time to calmly talk to your partner.
Second, identify the pain points of your communication. Is it too much or not enough? Are you yelling at each other a lot? Do you feel like your needs aren’t met? Be open and honest to find out where the friction is.
Finally, allow room for mistakes. It’s tough to say the right thing all the time. You’ll no doubt have rough patches in your communication. But as you make a habit out of speaking openly and respectfully, you will grow closer. In turn, this will create more trust in your relationship. That leads us to our next issue: lack of trust.
No Trust: Relationship Problems And Solutions
Problem:
In order to be safe and happy in a relationship, you both need to trust each other. Trust is a critical foundation of love. If your partner doesn’t trust you, you may be questioned constantly.
If you don’t trust your partner, you’ll feel stressed and sad. Eventually, a lack of trust will create a chasm so deep that you may fall out of love. As you can see, it’s vital to understand how trust works in relationship problems and solutions.
Solution:
First, let’s discuss how to gain trust. Most importantly, always be honest when talking to your partner. Do not lie. It’s simple but understandably hard. However, it’s the most important step to building trust.
If you’re caught in a lie, the damage is tough to repair. Be open. Be reliable. Don’t fall back on your word.
Second, we’ll discuss healing your trust issues. Notably, going into a relationship with lingering trust issues is a bad start. If you have trust issues from past trauma, it’s best to work with a licensed therapist to learn how to open your heart again.
You can also see a licensed couples therapist to facilitate healthy conversations on the topic of trust. If you suspect your partner is doing something behind your back, talk to them about it. If you were right, learn to forgive them if they decide to learn from the mistake.
If your suspicions are wrong, then look inward. Ask yourself what is causing you to doubt them. Then, discuss this with your partner to come to a resolution.
Next, we’ll move on to the third item on our relationship problems and solutions list: gratitude!
No Gratitude
Problem:
When your partner takes you for granted, you may feel worthless. You may feel useless and unloved. Specifically, if your love language is hearing words of affirmation, and you don’t hear them, it hurts. No matter who you are, if you don’t get a simple “thanks” often enough, it’ll wear you down.
On the flip side, if you don’t express gratitude to your partner, they may resent you. You may feel like they’re pulling away. However, out of all the relationship problems and solutions, this one may be the easiest to solve.
Solution:
It’s simple. Make a habit of saying thank you. Did your partner make breakfast for you? Say thank you. Did they organize daycare for your kid? Say thank you. Did they give you a ride? Say thank you. Share gratitude for everything, big or small. Once you’re in the habit of it, it will be easy!
Giving thanks is a healing act. There are many ways to heal your heart, however, besides gratitude. Author Sonia Frontera explains strategies to heal the heart in her book: Relationship Solutions: Effective Strategies to Heal Your Heart and Create the Happiness You Deserve In this inspiring work, she covers relationship problems and solutions and the best ways to move from heartache to happiness.
As Sonia explains in her book, marital troubles aren’t the end of the road. This book guides you along your love journey. It teaches self-discovery and positive change. In Relationship Solutions, you’ll learn how to build happiness. Maybe you’re struggling with your relationship, unsure how to fix it.
Well, this book will provide a strategy for you. On the other hand, you may be recently divorced or planning on leaving your partner. In this case, you’ll still gain valuable insight. The strategies Sonia outlines in this book will empower you.
They’ll teach you to gain clarity and courage to follow the right path for you. See? Whatever your question is about relationship problems and solutions, you have the resources to help. And trust me, this book will give all the help you need and deserve.
Financial Stress
Problem:
Money troubles can pop up out of nowhere. They can be detrimental. It could be sudden medical bills. Or maybe you or your partner simply don’t manage money well. If you have debt hanging over your heads, it can cause daily stress.
Any kind of money issue can lead to bitterness in a relationship. In the end, it could lead to breaking up. That’s why this is one of the most critical topics on our list of relationship problems and solutions.
Solution:
Set the right expectations about money. Lay everything on the table. Discuss topics like the amount of debt you have, how much money you spend, and whether you will share each other’s money. If so, how much? Be clear. Set a budget together.
Also, don’t blame each other for bad spending habits. When you talk about money, don’t judge. Just plan. Further, appreciate the strengths your partner brings to the table on this topic. Whether they are a saver or spender, you can learn from them. Better yet, you can learn from each other’s money mistakes.
Finally, think about long-term money goals. It’s important to discuss them now. That way, you can start saving as soon as possible. Think about retirement plans or large future purchases. However, as you plan, remember to allow wiggle room.
Also, leave space for independence. Even with a joint budget, it’s important for both partners to have some sense of spending freedom.
Intimacy Issues
Problem:
Finally, I’ll show you the last item on our list of relationship problems and solutions. Let’s face it, sex can complicate relationships even – or especially – when you’re not having it.
One study followed married couples over four years. The result? Most partners reported feeling lower levels of affection from their other half.
If your sexual energies are not balanced, it leads to frustration. If you have medical or emotional issues that prevent you from having a healthy sex life, it causes a rift between the two of you.
That’s because sex, as a health benefit of relationships, deepens the bond. It allows you to be physically and emotionally closer. Therefore, without a healthy sex life, your connection suffers.
Solution:
First, you must identify what the issue is. Is it a medical concern? Then, see a doctor. Is it an emotional concern? Then, see a licensed sex therapist.
Has your sex life simply fizzled out over the years? In that case, spice things up. Come together and discuss what you want to change. Come up with fun, intimate date ideas. Bring more romance and intention to your alone time.
Also, part of the solution for intimacy issues is communication. See, I told you communication is foundational to most relationship problems and solutions.
It comes into play in every aspect. In this case, share what you feel is missing from your intimate moments. Tell your partner what you desire. If they don’t know, how can they help? Be open and bold!
Relationship Problems and Solutions: Conclusion
Nobody wants to have issues with love. However, as you can see, every problem comes with a solution. I hope this list of relationship problems and solutions inspired you to fix that issue you noticed in your relationship. Use this advice to grow your love. Soon, your problems will be a thing of the past!
So, which of these relationship problems and solutions have you dealt with? Share your experience below in the comments!
Reference:
Lavner JA, Karney BR, Bradbury TN. Relationship problems over the early years of marriage: stability or change? J Fam Psychol. 2014 Dec;28(6):979-85. doi: 10.1037/a0037752. Epub 2014 Aug 25. PMID: 25150369; PMCID: PMC8310661.
