It’s normal to go through rough patches in relationships. Getting to the bottom of your root issue is the first step to getting back on track to a successful relationship. Some of the most common relationship issues people struggle with are communication, resolving arguments, and staying close. If your relationship is struggling with one of these, you’re not the only one. Relationships are hard and they take work. Below are some of our tips and tricks for working through these common relationship issues.

Communication

Communication is a very common problem in relationships because different people communicate differently. For example, you may be more reserved and quiet while your partner might be more talkative. If you find that you and your partner have stopped communicating like you used to or you have forgotten the importance of communication in a relationship, try to work on the following:

• Identify where your conversations are breaking down
• Be open and honest about your feelings. Don’t expect your partner to read your mind
• Be a good listener
• Think before you respond

Arguments

Conflict exists in all relationships, but it’s how you respond to conflict that can make or break a relationship. In order to resolve conflict in a healthy way, work on the following steps:

• Establish boundaries
• Find the real, underlying issue
• Agree to disagree 
• Compromise when possible

Respecting your partner during an argument is also crucial. If you find the urge to say something hurtful during an argument, pause first and take time to reflect. Ask yourself what you’re feeling and if you mean what your about to say.

Staying Close

With long term relationships, some couples often find it hard to stay close, maintain a high level of intimacy, and keep things exciting. This is normal when you’ve been together for so long. This just means you both need to make an effort to spend more time together. Here are some tips on how you can do that:

• Schedule date nights
• Try something new together
• Get away together
• Verbalize your loving feelings
• Establish goals together
• Separate sexual intimacy from routine
• Maintain a sense of curiosity about sexual intimacy

Life Balance Therapy

Another way to work towards solving any of these problems is to try couples therapy. Couples therapy can help you gain a deeper understanding of your relationship dynamic, get an impartial sounding board, begin to resolve relationship roadblocks, learn healthy coping strategies, deepen your intimacy and connection with your partner, and improve your communication skills. Life Balance Therapy offers couples counseling in San Antonio. The question you need to ask yourself first is, can and will you make the effort and do the work to bring life back into your relationship? If so, get started with making an appointment HERE. Chriselda Santo is a licensed counselor, professional life coach, and owner of Life Balance Therapy. She’s worked with many couples in crisis and can help you get to the bottom of the struggles in your relationship too.