Relationships can be challenging to say the least. They can be intense, complicated, enjoyable, frustrating and delicate. What if the relationship is ‘on the rocks’ heading for disaster. You detect this and want to fix it. But before you can even think of a way to repair it, you really want to know how did it get to this point?

Two people - Two mindsets

Romantic couples are not exempt from the pressures of every day life. Problems within the relationship do not lessen because you have a partner to lean on. In fact, a romantic relationship presents a new set of issues that are less of a priority to single people.

Coordinating daily schedules can present a challenge. If the two of you decide to work full time especially outside of the home, this can be a strain. If children are involved, will one partner decide to stay at home full time to take care of the children? Less money coming into the home could disrupt the finances.

According to scientific researches, the origin of the issues in a romantic relationship mostly evolve from trivial matters and goes on increasing owing to the reluctant attitude of the couples to talk over their differences. Conflicts can not be avoided in the relationship; as it involves the contribution of two different people and the opinions and mind sets of two different individuals that cannot be the same. So the point is not about having differences but about how people with different mind sets can adjust.

Red Flags in Relationships

In order to start repairing a broken relationship, you must identify the troubled areas. These issues usually surface again and again but should be acknowledged, discussed and a plan to put into action.

Tension can build up as one partner becomes more frustrated and less interested in the relationship. Communication can slowly desist and personal time to yourself could become you in a relationship by yourself. But you want to fix the relationship before it is completely broken.

Fix What Is Broken

1. Communication - If any relationship is going to survive and thrive, couples must communicate about problems or misunderstandings. Keeping silent when issues arrive will only make matters worse and contributes to a rocky relationship.
2. Push Away Pride - Acknowledge when you’re wrong and apologize for it. Also, accept your partner’s apology when extended.
3. Care For Yourself - Do not forget about yourself in a relationship (e.g. exercise, eat right, dress well, take an interesting fun class). For women especially because they tend to consistently put everyone else ahead of themselves).
4. Romance - Date your partner. Set aside time to do some of the things that brought you together in the first place. Surprise your partner with a special gift.
5. Don’t Criticize - We all make mistakes from time to time and there is no reason to criticize your partner every chance you get. If you want to be forgiven, you have to forgive.
6. Spend Time Together - Busy schedules can crowd your personal time together. Set definite times for activities together during the week with just the two of you. (ex. biking, bowling, dinner and a movie, dancing).
7. Therapy or Counseling - Therapy may help if both couples are willing to attend and discuss issues deeply ingrained.
8. Be Patient - Love takes time to build and grow. Try not to expect unrealistic expectations of each other.
9. Be Honest - Talk about how you feel. Be honest with yourself and discuss issues that may seem trivial. This will help draw you close to your partner and help you to understand him/her better.
10. Don’t Give Up - So many relationships end because one or both partners in the relationship feels that the road ahead is too long and may be too difficult to fix.

Romantic Relationships can be an extremely fulfilling journey. With a lot of hard work, love, patience, compromise, communication and respect, the journey can be a pleasant ride with exciting worthwhile adventures along the way that will last a life time.