It’s well known the relationships aren’t always plain sailing and you often hear people talking about giving and taking and realizing the importance of compromise. Sometimes, there are issues that you have to overcome in relationships, but these often make you stronger and prepare you for challenges in the future. Here are five of the most common problems facing relationships today:
Meeting the parents is daunting for even the most confident and assured people. You want your partner’s parents to like you and there is pressure to impress them, especially if they have high standards or expectations. The best advice is to try and stay calm, be yourself and avoid trying too hard; act naturally and remember that they are probably nervous as well. Avoid trying to sell yourself as something that you’re not and never lie, even if it is the tiniest white lie, as this will only spell problems in the future. At the first meeting, it’s best to stay safe in terms of comments, jokes or banter, as you don’t know how they will react and whether they will get your sense of humor; always remember your manners and don’t drink too much at dinner.
Dealing With Ex-partners
Most people have ex boyfriends or girlfriends and they can be a real issue in some relationships. If your previous relationship ended badly, the ex is still around or they are part of a group of mutual friends, this can be particularly difficult. If you are still close to your ex, try to put yourself in your current partner’s shoes and think about how you would feel if they were talking to or seeing their ex; be sensitive and understanding and take your partner’s feelings into account. If your partner is really struggling with the situation, you should consider cutting ties with your ex for the sake of your new relationship.
Problems in Bed
Sex is an important part of many relationships and the first time you sleep with a new partner can be daunting and nerve-wracking. Try to relax and stay calm and don’t rush; if you want to wait a while, that’s fine and your partner should respect your decision. Don’t panic if sex isn’t amazing the first time, as most people find that it gets better the longer you know somebody. Visit this London-based sexual health clinic for issues you’d like to discuss, such as erectile dysfunction.
Money troubles are one of the most common causes of arguments in modern relationships. Many couples struggle with money issues, whether it’s that they find it difficult to pay the bills every month, or they feel under pressure because one partner earns more than the other. If you have worries about money, talk openly about them and be honest with each other; do not compete about who earns more and try to find a balance that suits both of you in terms of what you earn and what you contribute to your household costs.
Career and Work Commitments
Work commitments are a source of angst for many couples because a large proportion of people work long hours and this means that time together is limited. If you do have a job that involves long hours, night shifts or a lot of travelling, try to make time for your relationship and ensure that the time you do have together is special; try setting a date night once a week or organising weekends away, for example, to make sure that you have quality time together. If you have children, it can be particularly difficult to spend time together as a couple, so try to enlist some help from a babysitter or friends or family members so that you can have an evening off to do something together.
