Relationship Problems

What Are Relationship Problems?

Relationship problems can occur in any type of relationship, whether platonic, familial, or romantic.

Conflict in relationships may arise for a variety of different reasons, such as:

  • Miscommunication

  • Betrayal of trust (e.g., broken promises, infidelity)

  • Incompatibility in values or goals

  • Lack of emotional or physical intimacy

  • Financial stress

  • Major life transitions (e.g., moving, changing jobs, having children)

  • Lack of quality time (e.g., due to poor work-life balance, busy schedules, etc.)

  • Unresolved trauma or mental health issues

  • Having different expectations of the relationship

What Causes Relationship Problems?

Frequent conflict and arguments can negatively impact the quality and stability of our relationships. Lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and result in needs being unmet if they are not expressed. Lack of emotional or physical intimacy and quality time may also result in feeling unfulfilled in the relationship. Possessing different core values or goals and may cause more frequent disagreements. Unmet expectations can lead to conflict if each individual has different expectations for the relationship. For example, partners may disagree on how much time they should spend with one another. Unresolved conflicts can also lead to lingering resentment. Acts of betrayal, such as dishonesty, cheating, and breaking promises can make it very difficult to continue trusting the other person. Additionally, external sources of stress, such as financial hardship and major life changes can contribute to relationship problems. Furthermore, some people may struggle with unresolved trauma or mental health issues that can affect their behaviour and ability to maintain healthy relationships due to poor emotion regulation or interpersonal communication skills.

Relationship problems can lead to feelings of being misunderstood, loneliness, and isolation. By addressing and repairing these issues, we can have stronger and more meaningful connections with the people in our lives.

How Do We Resolve Relationship Problems?

Resolving relationship problems requires open communication, a willingness to try to understand each other’s perspectives and feelings, and working together to develop compromises and solutions. For example, if a relationship is strained due to trust issues, the people involved can work on rebuilding trust by showing consistency and transparency in their actions. If unmet needs and lack of quality time or intimacy are a problem, it’s important to clearly communicate expectations and prioritize investing more time in the relationship to ensure your partner feels valued and appreciated.

Family or couples therapy can be helpful for individuals who are struggling to resolve relationship problems and need guidance on how to communicate effectively with their partner. For instance, a therapist can assist couples with interpersonal communication skills, such as learning how to practice active listening to help their partner feel more understood and to express needs in a respectful manner to reduce conflicts. It can be particularly helpful for those struggling with trauma or other mental health issues that may significantly impact their relationships with others.

The Relationship Support Team