Common relationship issues & how to help improve them
Relationships can be some of the most fulfilling aspects of our lives. But at times, they can also bring about real issues. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or a situationship, dealing with friends or family, or working through a professional connection, it’s common to face difficulties inrelationships.
These relationship issues can cause feelings of frustration, confusion, anger, or even isolation. However, understanding the common relationship issues people face can help you address them early before they escalate.
1. Poor Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. But it’s also one of the most common relationship issues that individuals, couples, and families face. According to a study by the Gottman Institute, poor communication is one of the primary reasons for martial distress and eventual divorce. Whether it’s a breakdown in how we express our thoughts or feelings, a failure to actively listen to the other person, or misinterpretation of one’s intentions, poor communication can cause misunderstandings that erode a relationship over time. So, what can you do to improve your communication? Try these tips.
Quick Tips for Improving Communication
● Practice active listening
● Be open and honest
● Prioritize ‘I’ statements over ‘You’ claims
2. Trust Issues
Just like communication, trust is key to any healthy relationship. Without it, feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and suspicion can creep in, causing chronic emotional tension in the relationship. Whether the trust issue is rooted in infidelity, dishonesty, or broken promises, it can be deeply damaging to a relationship if not intentionally addressed and healed.
Quick Tips for Trusting Relationships
● Be transparent
● Create safe spaces for communication
● Consider therapy if trust has been broken
3. Intimacy Issues
Intimacy isn’t just important in romantic relationships. Emotional closeness is key for healthy, deep relationships as well. Emotional intimacy is directly tied to relationship satisfaction and greater happiness when individuals feel emotionally connected to one another.
Quick Tips for Emotional Closeness
● Prioritize quality time
● Openly discuss desires and needs
● In romantic relationships, prioritize physical intimacy also
4. Financial Stress
Money issues are a common source of conflict in relationships. Differences in spending habits, financial goals, and simply the stress of financial insecurity can lead to tension in relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, financial stress is one of the top contributors to divorce, particularly when there is a lack of agreement on managing finances. So, what can you do about it if you’re experiencing issues in your relationship from financial stress?
Quick Tips for Managing Financial Stress
● Have regular money talks
● Set shared financial goals
● Consider financial counseling
5. Parenting Challenges
Parenting can introduce a whole new set of relationship challenges. Disagreements about parenting styles and balancing parenting duties with other responsibilities can create tension. Managing expectations and ensuring you and your partner or child’s parent are on the same page is key for creating a stable environment for your family.
Quick Tips for Parenting Through Challenges
● Support each other’s roles and approach to parenting
● Work together as a team
● Establish a united front when it comes to discipline
6. Differences in Values or Long-Term Goals
Over time, people evolve and grow. New life experiences may cause their goals and values to shift. When couples find that their long-term goals are no longer aligned, or when friends find their values don’t match up, it can create friction in the relationship. If maintaining your relationship is important to you, here are a few things you can try.
Quick Tips for Navigating Differences in Values and Goals
● Discuss your goals and future plans early
● Compromise and negotiate; find ways to support each other’s aspirations
● Clarify your individual needs and evaluate if they’re being met
Healing Relationships Can Be Challenging, But Entirely Possible
If you’re going through any of these challenges, know that mending your relationship is possible. It takes courage and hard work, but if it’s a relationship that you cherish, you can heal it. Whether it’s learning better communication skills, rebuilding trust, or navigating life changes, there are people and resources that can help.
Kinsey & Associates is Boston’s most trusted team of therapists. We specialize in in-person couples therapy in Boston, as well as all of Massachusetts via online therapy.