It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes a relationship to start falling apart, but if you find yourself in that situation, it’s easy to feel hopeless and afraid that things will never improve. But before you jump into the nitty-gritty of fixing the bad parts of your relationship, it’s important to focus on just two things: how much you love being with your significant other and how badly you want the relationship to work out. Once you’ve established these two facts, try these 10 simple strategies to fix any struggling relationship.
1) Define the relationship you want
I’m in a relationship with my best friend. This person knows me better than anyone else. We love and support each other unconditionally. When we’re together, it’s like no matter what is going on in the world, we’ll always have each other. I know they would do anything for me, and I would do anything for them too. The problem is that we live in different cities and only see each other every few months or so when they come visit me.
2) Talk about what’s not working
Relationships are hard and they take work. When a relationship is struggling, though, it can feel impossible to know what’s wrong and how to fix it. The first step is figuring out what isn’t working in the relationship.
3) Don’t take things personally
Don’t take things personally. One of the most common challenges couples face is taking each other’s words too personally. The truth is, we all have different ways of expressing ourselves and our feelings. So, when someone says something that doesn’t feel good to you, try not to take it as a personal attack. Remember that you’re both doing your best – but you may have different ideas about what is right and what is wrong.
4) Be patient
One of the simplest things you can do when your relationship is struggling is just be patient. It’s important that your partner knows you’re there for them and that you’re going to be supportive. Even if you don’t see the point in a relationship or feel like it might not get better, show your partner that they are worth being with by waiting patiently and being there for them.
5) Communicate effectively
Effective communication is key in any relationship. That’s why it’s important to identify the root cause of a disagreement and be willing to work together on a solution that benefits both parties. If you don’t know what your partner wants, ask them! What if you’re having a tough time hearing each other? Try using I statements or active listening techniques to improve your understanding. You can also use third-party opinions like friends, family members, etc., as sounding boards for disagreements. After all, they probably have good insight!
6) Be honest with yourself
This is one of the hardest things to do, but it’s also one of the most important. Relationships are a two-way street, and both people need to be willing to put in work. The best way to do this is by being honest with yourself and your partner about what’s going on in the relationship.
7) Respect each other’s needs
- Respect each other’s needs: The relationship is not a competition, but rather a partnership where both parties should feel free to express their thoughts and feelings. Make sure you are listening when your partner speaks and don’t talk over them or interrupt them.
- Be tolerant of the other person’s shortcomings: Don’t expect the person you’re with to be perfect just because you’re not perfect either.
8) Spend time together
One of the simplest things you can do for a relationship is to spend time together. Even if it’s just an hour or two a day, spending time with your partner will help strengthen your bond and make you feel closer. Plus, it’s good for the kids too!
9) Build trust
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – If you’re in a relationship that’s struggling, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Seeking out therapy is an excellent way of establishing trust and getting the other person more involved.
- Be honest about your feelings – In a healthy relationship, both people feel like they can talk about their emotions without fear of being judged or criticized by the other person.
10) Seek help if necessary
There are some relationships that cannot be fixed. If you have tried for months and nothing is working, it may be time to seek help. A licensed therapist can help you work through your problems and help you communicate with your partner in a productive manner.