The 7 Most Common Relationship Problems

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The 7 Most Common Relationship Problems
Recognizing Common Issues And Overcoming Them
By Tamara Warta

Even the best of couples run into relationship problems once in awhile.
Conflict is part of the human tapestry that we all deal with at one time or another, and while it can be difficult, many of our common qualms and complaints can be resolved if both parties are willing to work at them. In many cases, the first step is learning about common issues others deal with; this helps couples to realize that they are not alone or isolated in their pain and worry. Knowing what to expect in a relationship, from enjoying good days to getting through the bad, is the best way to ensure you are in a quality relationship that will last for the long haul.

Discuss Potential Conflict Beforehand
Most couples argue about sex, money and children, and yet all of these topics are easy conversations to have before you say “I do.” If you aren’t already engaged, but find yourself in the middle of a relationship that seems to be moving forward positively, do not be afraid to bring up these issues. The heavy-hitter questions will determine the path of your life and future together.

Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but aren’t sure where he stands on children and a family dog. It’s better to get a clear-cut answer before you sign that marriage certificate.

Sex is a touchy subject, but again, trust is found in a relationship where couples are able to communicate openly about their needs and wants. The last common relationship pitfall --money—comes into the picture usually after one half of a couple receives a substantial promotion or starts earning significantly more than the other.

This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.

Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.

Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.

Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.

When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.

If you anticipate a late night at the office or want to go out for a drink after a big meeting, then be sure to call your spouse and let him/her know what is going on. Don’t leave room for the anxious mind to wander.

Following through on your word is another great key toward a trust-filled relationship. Commitment is invaluable in any dynamic between two people, and it has never been more important than it is with your spouse.

Stay Conscientious and Avoid Relationship Issues
Work hard to be honest in all circumstances. We all slip up occasionally with the little white lie, but pride yourself in being a truthful person overall, and you will find your partner readily begins to trust you. If you are dating someone who is struggling to get over trust issues from the past, honesty is the best way to begin sealing up those wounds.

If you do find yourself in an argument, fight fairly. Bringing skeletons out of a 10-year-old closet for the sake of winning a squabble is not only immature, but it can also be irreversible and damaging. Let bygones be bygones and respect your significant other’s desire to move on past issues that have not been a problem for years.

Being a good listener and showing your partner that you care in other ways outside of the conversation can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care. This can include doing extra housework, buying a small gift on an otherwise ordinary day, or calling in the afternoon to say “I love you.”

Sex: The Touchy Relationship Issue
As mentioned above, your sexual relationship can play a big role in your happiness.
Physical intimacy is one of the most intense expressions of love, and so it’s important to be able to express to your partner what you desire. It is equally vital you listen to his fantasies or preferences, as this is the only way you will find a healthy balance between what you both want.

Many couples feel alienated and alone with their sexual conflicts, as it isn’t a conversation that always comes up over coffee with the girlfriends. Spend some time talking to a family therapist if you feel your sex life is turning into a roadblock in your relationship. Sometimes all it takes is discovering you are not alone and your fears and annoyances are quite common.

Communication Problems in Relationships
If you have been with your spouse for years, you may find your communication has begun to wane. Don’t take advantage of ordinary days by skipping the morning chat session your partner may crave. While most men are fine sitting in front of the football game with you in the same room silently keeping them company, many women desire the rewarding feel of a good conversation. Feel free to express this to your spouse, and don’t be afraid to insist on turning off the TV once in awhile!

Communication is all you have when an issue or conflict arises, so practice good interaction while the going is good.

Fighting Over Finances
Do you shop too much? Be honest. While some couples fight over salaries, many more find themselves arguing over how money is spent. If you were a mall regular before you took those marriage vows, check in with your spouse from time to time to see if your spending sprees are still acceptable.

Couples should equally share the load of financial stress, and if one is constantly earning while the other is continually spending, issues will start to crop up and quickly spiral out of control.

Consider setting a monthly budget to avoid this common relationship stressor. Sticking to it may be a struggle, but a healthy relationship is an excellent pay off.

Keep Clicking Through the Years
The common interests that once made you click as a couple may begin to fade away with time and age. It is vital for partners to continually discover new ways to stop relationship issues before they start by finding common denominators. Make it a goal once a year to try a new activity or get more involved in some other life arena such as church or a local volunteer group. Staying active as a couple will keep you more engaged in each other’s lives, leaving little room for a risky relationship problem such as a lack of trust or growing disinterest.

A committed heart and the willingness to be a little creative is all you need to keep your relationship rich and strong all the days of your life.

Are You Headed For A Divorce?
You may be worried that you or your spouse is getting ready to file for a divorce. This can be a scary time where you question whether your marriage is over and try to determine what went wrong. Whether you are already preparing to take the divorce plunge, or you are worried about life after divorce, take this quiz. Find out if you and your spouse are headed for a divorce.

This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.

Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.

Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.

Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.

When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.

Even the best of couples run into relationship problems once in awhile. Conflict is part of the human tapestry that we all deal with at one time or another, and while it can be difficult, many of our common qualms and complaints can be resolved if both parties are willing to work at them. In many cases, the first step is learning about common issues others deal with; this helps couples to realize that they are not alone or isolated in their pain and worry. Knowing what to expect in a relationship, from enjoying good days to getting through the bad, is the best way to ensure you are in a quality relationship that will last for the long haul.

Discuss Potential Conflict Beforehand
Most couples argue about sex, money and children, and yet all of these topics are easy conversations to have before you say “I do.” If you aren’t already engaged, but find yourself in the middle of a relationship that seems to be moving forward positively, do not be afraid to bring up these issues. The heavy-hitter questions will determine the path of your life and future together.

Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but aren’t sure where he stands on children and a family dog. It’s better to get a clear-cut answer before you sign that marriage certificate. Sex is a touchy subject, but again, trust is found in a relationship where couples are able to communicate openly about their needs and wants. The last common relationship pitfall --money—comes into the picture usually after one half of a couple receives a substantial promotion or starts earning significantly more than the other.

This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.

Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.

Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.

Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.

When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.

If you anticipate a late night at the office or want to go out for a drink after a big meeting, then be sure to call your spouse and let him/her know what is going on. Don’t leave room for the anxious mind to wander.

Following through on your word is another great key toward a trust-filled relationship. Commitment is invaluable in any dynamic between two people, and it has never been more important than it is with your spouse.

Stay Conscientious and Avoid Relationship Issues
Work hard to be honest in all circumstances. We all slip up occasionally with the little white lie, but pride yourself in being a truthful person overall, and you will find your partner readily begins to trust you. If you are dating someone who is struggling to get over trust issues from the past, honesty is the best way to begin sealing up those wounds.

If you do find yourself in an argument, fight fairly. Bringing skeletons out of a 10-year-old closet for the sake of winning a squabble is not only immature, but it can also be irreversible and damaging. Let bygones be bygones and respect your significant other’s desire to move on past issues that have not been a problem for years.

Being a good listener and showing your partner that you care in other ways outside of the conversation can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care. This can include doing extra housework, buying a small gift on an otherwise ordinary day, or calling in the afternoon to say “I love you.”