How To Work Your Way Through Relationship Struggles

According to a recent report, 30% of couples argue at least once a week, and 28% argue once or multiple times within a month. 

Disagreements are a normal part of life – as we cannot see eye-to-eye 100% of the time – but it’s important that you pay attention to the frequency and severity of these arguments to maintain a healthy relationship. This way, you can work on your problems with your partner instead of pushing them under the rug.

With that in mind, here are some simple tips you can use to work your way through relationship struggles.

Be assertive, not aggressive

Advocating for yourself during an argument is important. After all, in order for a true resolution to be reached, both parties involved must be able to express themselves clearly and explain their actions. However, you must ensure you are assertive but not aggressive during these interactions, as this will make it easier for you both to reach safe ground.

One way in which you can ensure you are assertive but not aggressive is by keeping your tone calm and measured, even when you are feeling angry and frustrated. Not only will this help you to de-escalate the situation, but it will also give you the chance to express yourself clearly, without getting too caught up in your emotions. As a result, you’ll be able to advocate for yourself much better.

Make sure you’re not only hearing them but listening too.

When working on conflict resolution, it’s essential that you really listen to your partner. Opening up and talking about emotions is difficult, and it’s important that you respect their vulnerability by paying close attention to what they are saying and working to process this accordingly. For example, you should take turns expressing how you are feeling without interrupting each other. This way, you both have the chance to speak your peace and can work toward a quicker solution to your latest argument.

Consider therapy.

There are many different forms of therapeutic services that you can rely on when navigating your way through relationship struggles, such as couples counseling or sex therapy. While the idea of opening up to external parties about your personal relationship may seem daunting, it can be a great way to work through whatever issues you are dealing with in a healthy, controlled manner.

It can also help you to better understand your partner if you use services like DV counselling or therapy, while also providing you both with healthy coping mechanisms to rely on in the future. 

Spend time apart when you need to.

While you’ll likely want to spend as much time with your partner as possible, you must also have your own lives outside of each other. After all, this allows you to focus on personal growth and development, which in turn can help your relationship to flourish. As such, you should ensure that you do not spend your every waking moment with your partner, which means you may want to look into ways to expand your social circle in adulthood.