Even the strongest relationships tend to have their problems, so if you’re experiencing difficulties with your other half, you’re certainly not alone. To help you find a way forward, here are three common relationship issues – and some useful pointers that should help you to overcome them.
- Problems between the sheets
Physical intimacy can be very important in a partnership, but a whole range of things can stop you from enjoying this side of your relationship. For example, it’s estimated that around a third of young and middle-aged women and half of older women experience issues such as pain during sex and a loss of desire, while among men, erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual problems. The majority of guys will experience this issue at some point in their lives.
Embarrassment might discourage from your addressing difficulties like these, but if something’s stopping you from being intimate with your partner and you don’t take steps to tackle the problem, this could start to drive a wedge between you. The important thing is to realise that help is available. If you explain the problem to your doctor, they should be able to establish the cause and recommend suitable treatments. Depending on what lies behind your problem, your doctor might advise you to address underlying health issues or they may suggest targeted treatments. For example, two medicines often used to tackle erectile dysfunction are Viagra (which contains the active ingredient sildenafil) and Cialis (which contains tadalafil). You can find out more about these medicines online from trusted sources such as https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/info/sildenafil-vs-tadalafil.
Alternatively, if the trigger for your issues between the sheets is psychological rather than physical, they may recommend talking therapies.
- Poor communication
Poor communication is arguably the cause of the majority of relationship troubles. If you don’t make an effort to be open and honest with your partner and to listen to what they have to say, the chances are tensions will build between you.
It’s easy to get into bad habits when it comes to communication, but there are simple steps you can take to improve this aspect of your relationship. For example, if you or your other half have a tendency to get distracted by phones, TVs or computers when you’re speaking to each other, try to schedule in some time solely for each other. Switch your screens off, put your phones to answer machine and make an effort to really focus. If you find it hard to discuss certain things without getting into a heated argument and raising your voices, why not try having these chats in public places like the park or a restaurant – where you’ll both be forced to stay calm.
It helps to bear some simple communication rules in mind too. For example, don’t interrupt each other, and try to steer clear of language that’s accusing or aggressive, like ‘you always…’ or ‘you never…’.
- Disagreements over money
Money has the potential to cause major disagreements. Perhaps you and your other half have very different priorities when it comes to spending and saving, maybe one of you is very bad at managing money or perhaps you or your partner have concealed things about your finances that you don’t want the other to know.
The key when it comes to money is to be honest, and to be willing to compromise. Try to avoid big arguments on the subject. Instead, set aside time to discuss the topic when you’re both calm. If possible, devise practical solutions to any problems that take both of your opinions and preferences into account.
Keeping a relationship on track can be difficult, but if you’re prepared to work at it and you follow advice like this, you stand as good a chance as possible at making yours work.