Relationship Issues
Relationship issues can occur at any stage in the relationship, though the onset tends to be later, especially after the “honeymoon” phase. These issues are characterized by less intimacy, more arguments, and less willingness to compromise or make concessions for the other person.
Warning Signs
Some common warning signs that you may be struggling with relationship issues include:
- Selfishness. You may be more self-involved and take less consideration for your partner’s wants or needs.
- Arguments, especially ones left unresolved.
- Secrets.
- Unwillingness to compromise. This can be over anything, from chores to social functions to bringing home pets.
- Withholding things from your partner consistently. This can be affection, sex, or necessary communication. This typically results from underlying anger.
- Substance abuse that affects the relationship negatively.
- Flirting or infidelity.
Passive-aggressive behavior, including the cold shoulder or intimidation.
Causes
Causes of relationship issues tend to stem from a lack of communication or when one person is afraid of being honest. When one person doesn’t ask for support or the kind of love they need to feel fulfilled, this spirals and affects both people.
Relationship problems may also be caused by an imbalance of power, meaning one person attempts to control the other. This can manifest more subtly or with outright verbal or physical abuse. This threatens the other person and negatively impacts their self-esteem.
Further, childhood problems, such as lack of a nurturing home environment, parents with mental illnesses or substance issues, violation of boundaries, or witnessing parental conflict, can impact a person into adulthood. These problems can affect current relationships and can manifest as repetitive negative relationship patterns such as aggression, unwillingness to compromise, or more frequent arguments.
Helping Solve Relationships Issues
To help work through relationship issues, psychotherapy and individual counseling can be incredibly transformative. Studies demonstrate that improving your communication skills and self-esteem, in turn, helps with your relationship.