Sustaining a healthy relationship is not easy – many of us go through different experiences in life that shape us and how we interact with other human beings. It can be particularly difficult to be in a long-term committed relationship, and at some points, issues will develop. Most couples go through rough times eventually, but it is how you deal with them that makes a massive difference that can make or break the relationship.
This article will advise you on how to salvage your relationship when the difficult times come so that you and your partner can continue being together in a loving relationship.
Communicate With Your Partner
If you are currently going through a difficult period with your partner, rest assured that many couples do. One of the keys to a healthy and successful relationship is communication – and this includes every stage of the relationship. Sitting down with your partner (without arguing) can give you two the time and space you both need to raise each other’s concerns, share your needs and say what each of you thinks is lacking from the other. Every couple should do this regularly and review how their relationship is going. This stops individuals from getting complacent with each other, which is what can lead to resentment.
Engage in Affectionate Physical Contact
Many times, couples start to argue over minor things, not realizing that they are frustrated due to the fact that they have not experienced physical intimacy in some time. Feeling the touch of the one you love releases oxytocin, which is also known as the ‘love drug’. This hormone is associated with a decrease in stress levels, which may help your relationship if your feelings are heightened. Make sure to make the time to be physical with each other – remember that there are other ways to be physical than sex – a simple hug or hand holding can go a long way. Make sure to do whatever feels comfortable to you.
Give Each Other Space
Have you had enough of your partner? Do you spend a lot of time together? When two people first start dating, it feels like they need to be with each other constantly and never get enough of each other. This novelty starts to wear off and people become accustomed to each other’s presence. In turn, the couple may feel some friction towards each other. You may have tried sitting down and talking, but this only made things worse. If this is the case, consider the no-contact rule period of 10-21 days, which consists of you avoiding contact with your partner for at least ten days. The purpose of this is so that your other half misses you and gets reminded of the love they have for you to the point where they will want to reunite.
Think About Positive Things About Your Partner
It can be challenging to think positively when you and your partner are going through a rough patch. However, it is during these difficult times that this is even more needed. Sit down and think about all the positive qualities your partner possesses… What made you fall in love with them? What kind of things do they do for you? How do they make you smile? You have chosen to be with this person, so there will be reasons as to why you loved them in the first place. Writing these down on paper and reading it out to your other half may be a great exercise to rekindle the flame.
Find Activities and Interests Outside of The Relationship
Some couples go through issues because they do not spend enough time together, whilst others do because they never leave each other’s side. If you identify with the latter, you should consider finding activities and interests outside of the relationship. As important as the relationship is, you must have separate identities and lives so that you can come back to each other and have something exciting you can talk about.
Consider Couples Therapy
Some couples go through serious issues that may be difficult to resolve on their own. These can be infidelity, difficulties in conceiving, or even the individuals’ attachment style and previous trauma that may be having an impact on the relationship. You may have tried everything with your partner to improve the relationship and still have been unsuccessful. If this is the case, you may want to consider going to couples therapy. This way you will have a neutral third party that can guide you through your issues until you find a solution. This may be costly, but it will certainly be worth it if you are truly invested in improving your relationship.
If you and your partner are going through difficult times, do not panic, as there are things you can do to improve the relationship. Make sure that you follow some of the tips discussed on this page, which will certainly help you salvage your relationship when difficult times come.
Disclaimer: These are not professional advice. When in doubt, it is always best to get in touch with professionals.
Featured photo by Oziel Gómez on Unsplash.
