It’s not uncommon for relationships to struggle over time. Even the best ones can have their ups and downs. If any couple were to say they never have issues or problems, they’re likely lying or unaware that those problems currently exist. Throwing in the towel, though, isn’t something you should do immediately, unless, of course, your life is in danger or something that’s occurred is unforgivable to you. Here are a few ways you can help improve a relationship that’s currently struggling.
Focus on communication and connection
Communication and connection are both important parts of improving a relationship that’s struggling. You may be communicating, but not in a way that’s benefiting the relationship. Active listening is essential, rather than just projecting everything onto the person and expecting them to just take it. Listen to your partner to understand their perspective. Avoid interrupting and validate their feelings, even if you disagree with their perspective on the relationship. Conflict resolution can be effective if you’re addressing the issues without blaming or attacking the other person. Using ‘I’ statements when discussing your feelings is a better approach than ‘you make me feel’. Love languages are important to distinguish, as yours might be different from your partner's. As well as that, daily check-ins can be helpful in order to connect when life gets super busy.
Seek professional help and guidance
Improving a relationship that's struggling might not be something you can manage on your own. You may need expert help and guidance to ensure everything possible is being done to help repair and salvage a relationship. Having a professional psychologist like Mike Novikov, for example, is a great way of helping to address problems within the relationship through the eyes and experience of someone professional and unbiased.
Rebuild intimacy and trust
Rebuilding that trust and intimacy between you and your partner is important. This can be done in several ways, starting with physical affection. Reintroducing small and non-sexual physical gestures like hugging, kissing, or holding hands can be helpful to rebuild emotional closeness. It’s useful to try to spend more quality time with one another through the use of date nights or scheduled time together that you would perhaps usually spend apart. Showing appreciation for your loved one is a small act that can be great for your partner to receive.
Practice patience and consistency
Rebuilding that trust and intimacy within a broken relationship can take time. It’s therefore important to be consistent with positive changes rather than expecting immediate results to happen. Try to celebrate the small wins you make in your relationship, too, and acknowledge those small improvements to ensure motivation remains.
Acknowledge if the problems are too much
As much as you may want to repair a relationship that’s struggling, it’s helpful to know when there’s just not enough left of the relationship to salvage. Acknowledging and admitting to yourself and to your partner that the relationship has ran it’s course is really tough. However, it’s important to do so when there’s really no way of it being rebuilt properly. Life is too short to spend your time unhappy in a relationship.
