There is a popular saying that no relationship is perfect and every relationship has its own issues. While this is true, there are also solvable problems in relationships that if properly handled does not need to escalate into a big deal.
Every relationship needs a rich understanding between partners for both of them to feel safe and secure in it.
Keeping this in mind, here are four common challenges couples face and practical advice for addressing them.
Emotional Disconnection
Every relationship needs intimacy and an emotional connection to keep things going hence the important need for quality communication. Many people rely on either social media or technology to communicate with their partners while face-to-face conversations suffer. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that if your relationship is built this way, you are heading for disaster.
Solution
If you are guilty of spending more time on your electronic device than with your partner, then you need to find a solution to spending more time together, you could even create a tech agreement like having times when you should not be operating your devices. In creating this schedule, it is important that it feels fair to both of you.
Bringing Work Stress Home
Sometimes, before you ask your partner what is going wrong with your relationship, you need to ask yourself if either of you is bringing work stress home. There are chances that you will get crankier than usual if you have a lot of work on your plate at the office.
Solution
Discuss your end of the day routine with each other as a form of a ritual of connection. Don’t be afraid to decompress by yourself before connecting with each other. You can even enlist your partner’s help to relax. Scheduling formal whining sessions can prevent the spillover of everyday stress into your relationship.
Money
Money is and will always be an important part of any relationship. Questions like how much money comes in, how to spend it and how to save will always rear their heads. Balancing the emotional realities of money can be a lot of work for any couple since our feelings about money are so personal.
Solution
when you constantly fight over money, the real argument may not be about money but what money means to each of you. Have constant conversations about your finances and take time to prioritize your spending, then lay out an action plan for financial freedom.
Housework
Who does what house chore is also another source of headache for most couples. When couples don’t do their agreed-upon share of the housework, one partner is left feeling disrespected and unsupported, which leads to resentment and ultimately a less satisfying relationship.
Solution
Again, communicate about what is expected of who and split up chores so it feels fair to both partners. You can have a list to serve as a reminder of who is in charge of what.
