8 Of The Most Common Relationship Struggles And How To Overcome Them

By Melissa Hamier | August 30, 2022

Relationships are hard. There’s no denying that. But sometimes, it feels like you’re the only one struggling. You look around at your friends and family, and it seems like they have it all together. They never fight, they always know what to say, and their relationships seem perfect. The truth is, everyone struggles in relationships at some point or another. Here are eight of the most common struggles couples experience throughout their lives and how to overcome them!

1) Communication Is Key

One of the most common struggles in relationships is communication. It can be hard to communicate with your partner, especially if you’re not used to communicating openly and honestly. But it’s so important to do! Communication is how you connect with your partner and understand each other. If you’re struggling with communication, try to be more open and honest with your partner. Talk about your feelings, your needs, and your wants. Then, listen to what they have to say, too!

Many couples struggle with communication because they’re afraid to be honest with each other. They don’t want to hurt each other’s feelings or make the other person mad. But being honest is so important! It shows that you trust and respect your partner. If you’re unsure how to be more open and honest, talk to a therapist or counselor. Some couples simply don’t know how to communicate with each other. This can often lead to arguments and a feeling of distance in the relationship. Identifying ways to communicate effectively in your relationship is key to overcoming this common struggle.

2) Trust Must Be Earned

Trust is another big one. If you don’t trust your partner, it’s going to be very difficult to have a healthy, lasting relationship. Lack of trust can lead to jealousy, insecurity, and a whole host of other problems. If you’re having trouble trusting your partner, talk to them about it. See if there’s anything they can do to help ease your concerns.

Communication and trust go hand in hand. If you’re not communicating with your partner, it will be very difficult to build trust. So make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to communication. One of the best ways to overcome trust issues is to simply talk about them. For example, if you’re feeling insecure or jealous, tell your partner about it. They may not even be aware that you’re feeling that way. By communicating with each other, you can help build trust and overcome any trust issues you may have.

3) All Relationships Experience Change

Change is inevitable. People change, circumstances change, and relationships change. And that’s okay! Change can be good for a relationship. It keeps things fresh and exciting. But change can also be difficult to adjust to. It can be hard to let go of the way things used to be, even if the new way is better. You might be growing at different paces and in different directions. So it’s important to be patient with each other and communicate openly about your needs and concerns.

To overcome the challenge of change, you and your partner must be on the same page. Be sure to check in with each other regularly and discuss any changes that are happening in your relationship. Change can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. You can work through it together and help each other to find a balance between the new and the old.

4) Financial Stress Can Be Crippling

Money is one of the most common problems in relationships. It can be hard to agree on how to spend and save money. One person might be a saver while the other is a spender. One person might want to live a luxurious lifestyle while the other is content with a simpler lifestyle. This is part of the foundation of a relationship, and couples should compromise and find a happy medium that they are both comfortable with.

Unexpected financial problems can also put a strain on a relationship. For example, if one person loses their job or has to take a pay cut, this can cause arguments and tension. However, it is crucial to remember that financial problems are usually only temporary. If both people in the relationship are willing to work together, they can overcome any financial obstacle. Monthly budgeting and goal setting can help to alleviate financial stress in a relationship. It is also important to be honest about money with your partner. Hiding debt or spending from your partner can create trust issues. If you are having trouble with money, talk to your partner and work on a plan together.

5) Relationships Require Hard Work

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, especially as you get further into the relationship. Relationships are even harder work once you get married and have kids. You can’t just sit back and expect things to happen; you have to put in the effort to make things work. If you’re not working on your relationship daily, you could find yourself gaining a divorce lawyer as your new best friend.

One way to keep the relationship fires burning is to keep doing things for your partner that you did when you were first dating. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures; it can be the little things. For example, hold their hand while you’re watching TV, give them a kiss goodbye before you go to work, or surprise them with their favorite food. It’sThese little things will keep your partner happy and remind them why they fell in love with you in the first place. You also need to remember that making time for each other is important. If you’re always working late or spending every weekend with your friends, you’re not going to have much time for your partner. 

6) Kids Can Be A Challenge

Having children is one of the biggest blessings you can have in life. But it’s also one of the biggest challenges. If you’re in a relationship and have kids, finding ways to work together as a team to raise them is important. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. If one person feels like they are doing all the work, it will lead to arguments and resentment.

One way to overcome this challenge is to set aside time each week to talk about your parenting goals and how you can help each other. You can also take turns taking the kids out for a special activity so that each parent gets some quality alone time. It’s important to remember that you’re in this together and that you both need to make an effort to be involved in your children’s lives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed looking after the kids, it’s vital to ask for help from your partner or from other family members and friends. It’s okay to admit that you need some assistance, and it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad parent.

7) Respect Should Be A Two-Way Street

Respect is one of the most important things in any relationship. If you don’t respect your partner, it will eventually lead to the downfall of the relationship. However, it’s important to remember that respect is a two-way street. Just because you may think your partner is wrong about something doesn’t mean you can’t still respect them. If you can’t respect your partner, then it’s time to move on.

To ensure that you’re both respecting one another, make sure to communicate openly and honestly. If you’re feeling disrespected, tell your partner directly. It’s important to have these types of conversations so that both of you can work on being more respectful towards one another. Another way to show respect is by listening to your partner. Really listen – don’t just wait for your turn to speak. Try to understand where they’re coming from and what they’re trying to say.

8) Time Apart Is Better Than Time Together

If you’re always trying to find ways to be away from your partner, your relationship will suffer. You should never want to be away from your partner more than you want to be with them. On the other hand, time apart can also be healthy for a relationship. It gives you both time to miss each other and appreciate each other more when you’re together. So if you’re finding that you always want to be away from your partner, try to find ways to spend more time with them that are enjoyable for both of you.

One way to overcome this struggle is by planning weekends away and regular date nights. You need to find ways to bring the spark back to your relationship and make time for each other. If you’re both working long hours, try to cut back on the hours and schedule some quality time together so you can reconnect.

Final Thoughts

No relationship is perfect, and every couple will face their own set of unique challenges. However, by recognizing some of the most common relationship struggles, you can be better prepared to overcome them. If you’re struggling in your relationship, don’t be afraid to seek out professional help. A therapist can provide you with the tools and support you need to work through your challenges and build a stronger, healthier relationship.