Any relationship will face its fair share of ups and downs. When you enter a partnership, you are entering a supportive, cooperative collaboration. This means that you will have to work as a team to overcome the more difficult times respectfully and productively.
Whether you’re facing money problems, job loss, lifestyle disagreements, or even infidelity, these challenges can prove detrimental for your relationship if not handled properly. By joining forces and striving to overcome your challenges, you give your relationship its best chance for survival. Of course, this begs the question: how do we work together as a team?
1. Strive For Open Communication
It’s no secret that communication is crucial to making a relationship work. Many couples may think they have excellent communication skills, but this is heavily tested when conflicts arise. Make it a point to be more open with your partner. Encourage them to do the same with you.
Get into the habit of telling them about even the mundane parts of your day. This will not only bring you closer together but support openness between you. In addition, you will likely feel less inclined to hide information when conflicts do arise.
2. Go Out of Your Way For Them
A great way to show your partner how much you care? Go out of your way to do little, helpful tasks for them.
For example, you could have dinner prepared when they get home. Or, you could run an errand for your partner when you know they’re busy. Ideally, your partner will mirror your efforts, and these little things will make your relationship that much more solid.
3. Become a Better Listener
This one ties into communication, and it’s so important in a relationship. No one wants to feel like what they say to their partner goes right over their head.
Sure, we’re all forgetful sometimes and you may miss something that your partner tells you from time to time. However, by making an honest effort to listen more, you’re showing your partner that you care. And, odds are, you will pick up on a lot more of what they’re saying, making your bond even stronger!
4. Ask Them What’s Wrong
It may seem obvious that you ask your partner what’s bothering them, but this is overlooked quite often in a long-term relationship. If it seems like your partner has something on their mind, it might be tempting to make assumptions. Or you may slip into avoiding unpleasant conversations, as it’s typically easier to just ignore tough situations or wait for your partner to come to you.
Be proactive and make an effort to ask what’s wrong. They will appreciate the sentiment. Asking key questions will allow for fewer conflicts and time to grow.
5. Remind Them That You’re On Their Side
When relationship problems get really bad, it’s easy to be disengaged or removed from your partner. If you feel this happening, strive for the opposite: remind them that you’re on their side and that you two are a team. Even just the simple act of saying this out loud can do wonders for maintaining your bond.
6. Go to Couples Counseling
One of the best things you can do for a relationship in turmoil is to go to couples counseling. Not only will you have an unbiased professional help work through your issues with you, but you’ll have a safe space to talk about whatever unique concern is causing issues in your relationship. You will have the ability to speak openly about your concerns and fears, and your partner will have the same opportunity.
Because your counselor is there to guide you, there is virtually no chance that the conversation gets ugly or out of hand. Instead, you can speak candidly about whatever is affecting your relationship. Your counselor will offer genuine, real-life guidance.
More than anything, counseling can help you find solutions and move forward. In addition, such support will reinforce your existing team dynamic, making you and your partner stronger than ever. We are here to help!
For more information on our services, click here: Couples Therapy