Sex
At the beginning of a relationship, physical touch expresses our desire for one another. Through that intimacy, we become vulnerable. Studies have shown that sex is a significant factor of satisfaction in a relationship for both men and women. Still, sex can create conflict, and unrealistic expectations, unplanned pregnancy, and low or high sex drive are some examples.
It is common in marriages for men and women to experience loss of libido. One partner may take the snub personally, creating a vast divide. The longer the couple is together, sex takes a back seat to children, stress, bills, and sleep. The best solution to get through this tough time is communication with each other. Staying open-minded and understanding is crucial in reconnecting with your intimate partner.
Money
Financial issues in a relationship are a sensitive topic. From the beginning, couples must discuss their financial goals and put everything on the table. Hence, there aren’t any surprises later on. If problems arise, you have an open flow of communication and can fix issues before they worsen.
Financial infidelity is a gateway to marital strife as well. Shopping on plastic may increase your frequent flyer miles, but one person pulling in the dough needs to be fair when the other puts a strain on the wallet. Issues arise with job loss or a discrepancy in income. There should be communication that discusses whether an additional income stream is necessary or if a job search for a higher-paying gig should be in the works.
Technology and Social Media
Tech and social media can be dangerous in a marriage. Is there a way of knowing when we have done too much social media, and at what point is it deemed an obsession?
Face-to-face interaction has waned since Pre- Pandemic increased the use of technology. For many couples, it cured some boredom. But why do we look to people who are a touch screen away?
We lose ourselves in a fantasy world where everyone seems perfect, promises taboo things, and promises to fill the lacks in our real-life relationships. Our focus and attention steer us to this virtual fixation and move us further away from healthy face-to-face interactions, causing problems in our relationships. Instead, block out an hour a day or one day or more a week to focus on your partner.
Lack of communication
Failing to communicate effectively is a common problem in relationships and can include verbal and non-verbal cues. After being together for some time, changes in demeanor or subtle facial expressions can be confusing. Men and women can communicate differently, so a healthy relationship must strive towards learning healthy ways to communicate. It is, after all, the basis for a successful relationship.
Coping with stress
Coping with stress is something that all couples will encounter at one point or another. There isn’t just one cause of stress, which may be why it can destroy a relationship. Stress can affect health, so learning how to discuss and cope with it is crucial. We can do lots of things to deal with stress. They include simple things like doing yoga, going for walks, or meditation, and communicating with your partner about the issues with a patient tone and an honest heart. Working through the stressors together can alleviate some stress and increase your bond.
Jealousy
Jealousy can quickly turn your relationship upside down. A bit of jealousy is healthy and can make your interactions spicy. However, an overly jealous partner can seem overwhelming and overbearing. The unhealthy trait can become stressful to the receiver of the questions and insinuations. They may feel an unnatural pressure to change their personality or cut off people they like. Inadvertently, the pursuer may need to reflect on their insecurity. They will need to face the root of why they are that untrusting so they can work on minimizing it. You may need to sit and ask yourself if you want to change for someone like that or continue in a relationship with them.
Values and Beliefs
At times, there are blurred lines between relationship boundaries, but once overstepped, and often by mistake, partners are often hurt and confused. A relationship is usually for two people that have an array of different experiences and points of view. Forcing change may do more damage to the relationship than good. For example, moving a city boy to your country town may be good for you. Yet, it will make him resent you for taking him away from the closeness of the gym, restaurants, and his friends.
It is a natural progression that couples grow and change, but pursuing the change creates emotional distance between you and your partner. Asking for these changes will never satisfy you. Instead, you manipulate, and that is not a relationship. Acceptance, communication, love, and respect grow a relationship. When you need to take some time away from a discussion or walk it off, you’ll come back because you’ll have remembered that you are a team. You can have your fairytale and live the life you’ve dreamt of taking these steps with your partner, making your relationship much more robust. You’ll have the right tools to use when you come across these challenges in the future, bringing you a meaningfully closer bond