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Relationship problems
Forming a relationship could be difficult and challenging and maintaining it could be even more difficult. Irrespective of the age, socio-economic status, marital status and length of relationship, the dynamics of relationship could be challenging and there are new challenges at different stages of the relationship. In few months or years of relationship, people assume that they know completely about their partner. In reality, that is not the cases in most adult relationships.
What do we mean by 'adult relationship'?
An adult relationship is about two people who have equal rights, equal opportunities and equal responsibilities
Why relationships are important?
People in good (supportive, loving) relationships are more likely to feel healthier, happier and satisfied with their lives.
What makes a good relationship?
A 'good relationship' means different things to different people. And there are many different kinds of relationships. The couple relationship may be the most important one in our society. It is often the main relationship in people's lives; it is the basis of a family (and this is the place where most of us learn about adult love, about negotiation, about how to change and how to compromise), and it is often an economic unit.
How can we define a fulfilling, intimate relationship?
Most people have very personal definitions of what a fulfilling, intimate relationship means for them. Some of the things most of us expect in a relationship are:
- intimacy and sexual expression
What are the warning signs of a relationship breakdown?
Noticing early warning signs of relationship breakdown can help a couple resolve conflicts. Some early warning signs are:
- Abandonment of joint activities - just living parallel lives
- Recurring arguments which are never resolved
- Feelings of dissatisfaction and unhappiness
- Preoccupation with interests and activities outside the relationship, leading to one partner feeling neglected
- Complaints of loss of feeling - one or both partner/s speak of no longer being in love
- Increased fatigue and reduced ability to meet responsibilities at work
- Arguments over parenting.
One could claim that all of the above issues are part and parcel of a normal relationship. May be true but the degree to which it happens is what really matters.
Having an ‘affair’ meaning becoming emotionally and/or sexually involved with a person outside the relationship is also a serious warning sign and could have damaging impact to the relationship as it is closely tied to moral and family values.
Is it possible for partners in a relationship to think and act as ‘one’?
NO. It is practically not possible. Differences are part of relationships. People often get very emotional and angry when they see their partner has different values, beliefs or expectations to them. We all need to understand and accept that between any two people there will be differences in ideas and expectations and, at times, conflict and strong expression of feelings.
All couples experience problems in one form or another - it's part of sharing your life with another human being. The difference between relationships that work and those that don't is how well couples deal with the challenges and problems they face in their life together.
When is a good time to get professional help?
Advice or extra skills can often assist. If your relationship has some of the early warning signs, it is time to seek advice. Professionals can help you sort out what the problems are and help you find ways to try to mend your relationship.
Click here to read about relationship counselling.
SEEKING HELP IN TIME COULD SAVE THE RELATIONSHIP
Acknowledgement: Relationships Australia
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