Are you currently in a struggling relationship? Or maybe you think things just aren’t what they used to be.
Some people will think this and then give up on their relationship, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If your relationship is going through a rough patch, it is something that you can both work on, as long as it is something you both want to do.
It is perfectly normal for relationships to change, whether you are coming out of your honeymoon period or you have been married for decades. It is a challenge that rises for every single relationship regardless of what phase you are in.
It is first important to consider if your relationship problems are something that you can fix, or if they are something that you need to let go of. Then you need to ensure that the relationship is something that you both want. If you tick these boxes, then it is worth putting in the effort to save your struggling relationship. To help you on your journey, here are some top things you should consider.
Communication
Communication is a really crucial part of any relationship. In fact, it will form the foundations of your relationship and everything that comes with it. The way you communicate will impact all of your interactions, directly, indirectly, spoken and unspoken. It is really important that you take a look at yourself and consider what problems you are bringing to the table in terms of your communication in your relationship.
Some might be caused by a lack of communication skills and an understanding of differences in communication needs. Look deeper at how you communicate and what you need, and what your partner needs.
Others could be due to an underlying issue you are not aware of. For example, if you have ADHD, then you may struggle to listen and to pay attention. If you have problems with your hearing, then you may be impacting your relationship via your communication with misunderstandings and miscommunications. This is very common in relationships, especially as you get older together. You can learn more about this topic to see if it is something that resonates with you and how you can improve your situation.
Priorities
Are you making each other a priority? It is important in relationships that you prioritise each other. But you also need to balance this carefully with your own priorities. You should always be able to do what you want and need to do, with consideration of your partner. Sometimes the balance can be tipped in relationships, and one is feeling like they are not cared about. Consider where your priorities are, and what you spend your energy on. See if there are opportunities in your day to consider your partner more.
Fun
Relationships are often a lot of fun in the beginning, and as you grow more content and have to get back to normal life with work and commitments, that fun can slowly fade away. Make some time each week to do something fun together. This could be something you love to do, or maybe something new you want to try together. Having fun can bring you closer together and strengthen your bond.
If your relationship is struggling, try these 3 top tips to help you move forward and improve things.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.