Romantic relationships can be challenging for various reasons, such as people being from different backgrounds and having different beliefs and values.
A healthy romantic relationship can add a lot of meaning and value to the life of a person and may benefit their overall health and well-being.
If a relationship is struggling, it can be distressing for a person and can lead to conditions such as substance use disorder, obesity, and depression.
This article discusses ways a person may be able to save a struggling relationship.
Trust is an
Recovering from a breach of trust in a relationship may be difficult. However, it is possible to rebuild trust if both people are willing to put in the work.
Extend compassion and care
If a person breaches the trust in a relationship, they may be able to start to rebuild it by behaving in a kind, compassionate, and understanding way. A person will need to be patient with their partner and show them that they are willing to put the work into regaining their trust.
It is important to be compassionate about the effect that the breach of trust has had on the person and to try and understand what may help to regain the trust.
Take responsibility
To move forward in the relationship after there has been a breach of trust, a person must accept full responsibility for their actions. A person should try and avoid becoming defensive, blaming others for their actions, or dismissing how their partner is feeling.
Give the opportunity to win trust back
If a person decides to stay with a partner who has breached their trust, it is important they give them the space to earn back that trust.
Practice transparency
After there has been a breach of trust, it is important for both people to be fully transparent. A person should aim to speak about any thoughts and feelings that emerge in response to the breach of trust and air any concerns they may have.
If a person breaks the trust of their partner, they should try to be transparent with the reasons behind the breach of trust. This may help a person understand their actions and allow them to move toward forgiveness.
Seek professional help
A family or marriage counselor may be able to help strengthen a relationship after there has been a breach of trust. They can help both people work through any feelings that come up such as anger, hurt, guilt, or shame.
However, there are several ways a person may be able to save a struggling long-distance relationship.
Regularly schedule visits
Scheduling regular visits can give each person something to look forward to and plan together.
Knowing there are regular dates in place can give a person reassurance in the relationship.
Make time for online dates
Making time for online dates may help to save a relationship as it can make each person feel closer together.
Sharing a meal, cooking together, or watching a movie over a video call can be almost as intimate as being physically there in person.
Manage expectations
It is important each person is clear about their needs and expectations in a long-distance relationship. Each person should express how many times they would like to stay in touch during a day or week, how many times they would like to meet up in person, and the levels of commitment they expect.
If a relationship is struggling, living together can be challenging.
Learn to compromise
Learning to compromise can help a person feel happier in the relationship. Compromise defines maintaining personal preferences while meeting a person halfway.
Engage in affectionate physical contact
Engaging in affectionate physical contact can increase the overall well-being of a relationship.
Plan regular check-ins
Making time to regularly check in with the other person can help a struggling relationship. Planning a check-in every week can allow each person time to express any concerns and share any thoughts or feelings. This can help to strengthen the relationship and reduce conflict.
If there has been a big argument, it can be difficult to recover the relationship. However, there are several ways a person can help to make amends.
Speak from the heart
Once both people have had time to cool off, it is important each person can be honest about how they are feeling. Being able to communicate calmly and clearly, without blame, or judgment can help to resolve conflict after a fight.
Use skilled communication
Being able to
Remaining calm, maintaining eye contact, and being mindful of body language can help a person communicate effectively after a big argument.
Actively listen
Learning to listen actively can help to resolve conflict after a big fight. Active listening can involve:
- not interrupting the other person
- being able to recap what the other person has said
- asking questions to continue the conversation
- trying to hear from the perspective of the other person
Mental health resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and resources on mental health and well-being.
Relationships can be complex and require patience and understanding.
A person can save a struggling relationship by practicing skilled communication, making time for the other person, practicing empathy and understanding, taking responsibility for their actions, practicing full transparency, and seeking professional help.
If both people are willing to put the work in, it can be possible to save a struggling relationship.