Logically, l he relationships are not always at their best and sometimes crises can occur for different reasons. Partnerships are interpersonal relationships and therefore our beliefs and our behaviour will determine whether they are satisfactory or not.

It should be remembered that it is possible to resolve many of these disagreements so that stability can once again reign within the relationship. However, this requires willingness and, in serious cases, help from a psychologist.

  • If you think you’re going through a rough patch in your relationship, you might want to take a look at this article: “7 Questions to Ask About Your Partner”

The most common problems in a relationship

It is strange that couples do not find potholes in their path , because each member of the relationship has his or her own way of thinking and behaving, which can cause it sometimes to be necessary to discuss and reach consensus in order to enjoy good health in company. In other words, although every relationship has its ups and downs, successful couples learn to manage conflict and are aware of the importance of taking into account the needs of the other.

But what are the most common conflicts that can arise in relationships ? Below you can find the answer to this question.

1. Communication problems

As I said, couples learn how to handle conflict, and in this aspect communication is very important. Dialogue is essential for the good progress of the relationship and is one of its basic pillars, as it allows the maintenance of the common life project initiated by two people who love each other.

If one of the members does not have enough empathy and is not able to understand the other one, or if he does not have the capacity to express his opinions in an assertive way, a relationship can hardly work because conflicts are assured.

2. Coexistence

One of the most common problems in relationships is living together. Many times we have unrealistic expectations about what it will be like to live with that person we love , and share the space for so many hours, these false beliefs can make conflicts flourish that must be managed in the right way at the right time. In living with others, it is always necessary to negotiate, give in and reach agreements, and relationships are no exception.

3. Infidelity

Although infidelity often has other causes, such as poor communication or lack of affection, it becomes a very serious problem within the couple, which often can not be overcome. In various surveys conducted in Spain, data concludes that 60% of men and 45% of women claimed to have been involved in some form of infidelity during their lives. Therefore, it seems that infidelity is something that is very present in relationships. Couples therapy can be very effective in overcoming this problem.

4. Sexual problems

When there is little harmony in intimate relationships conflicts in the couple’s relationship increase, as it affects the expression of affectivity and the stability of the relationship. Caresses, looking into each other’s eyes in silence, hugs and, of course, sexual relations help the couple to feel united and loved.

Some sexual problems that can affect not only the individual who suffers it but also his or her partner are: premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and lack of desire, in men; and anorgasmia, lack of desire, vaginismus and dyspareunia, in women.

5. Differences in core values

A person’s fundamental values influence the opinions held by each partner and their behaviour, and when they do not fit in with those of the partner, they often cause serious conflict. Although it is not always easy to overcome them, respect for the opinions of others is key to minimizing these conflicts, even if you sometimes do not share them.

6. Traumatic events

Sometimes traumatic events can occur in a couple’s life that can lead to an existential crisis. This, of course, will also influence how the couple relates to each other and their well-being. If one of the two has gone through a delicate moment , for example, the death of a close relative, in many cases it is advisable to go to psychological therapy so that the personal situation does not end the relationship.

7. Problems outside the couple

While traumatic events can wreak havoc on the relationship, other problems outside the relationship can also influence the bonding of members. For example, when one of you feels stressed or burned out at work , this may also be noticeable at home.

Over- or underwork, strict or inflexible schedules, job insecurity or poor relationships with colleagues can be noticed not only in the workplace but also in the relationship.

8. Problems with the couple’s family

Sometimes, conflicts may not be directly related to those in love , but may arise with family members (and even close friends) of the latter, which may hinder the smooth running of the relationship and affect the couple. If, for example, problems arise with the mother-in-law or father-in-law, this will soon have repercussions on the relationship.

9. Economic difficulties

As I said, stress at work can be a problem, but so can not having a job and going through serious economic difficulties . The inability to have family economic stability makes it difficult to visualize the future and, therefore, conflicts are present in the relationship frequently.

10. Children

Having children is, without a doubt, one of the best experiences and consequences of loving someone, since it represents absolute love and the presence of a new member in the family. However, what can be really nice can also be complicated at times, largely because of unrealistic expectations about having children or because of role conflicts, and because of the stress that parenting generates .

11. Uncertain future

Couples who are in good health are those who have a shared project, that is, a common project . They see themselves together and, therefore, act in awareness of this possibility. But when the members of the couple have doubts about being with each other, then difficulties arise. Conflicts in this situation are frequent.

12. Monotony

One of the biggest problems for the couple is monotony, which usually appears when the two members have been together for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent this from happening. For example, in the sexual field, experts recommend trying new experiences so that the flame does not go out.

13. Emotional dependence

Emotional dependence also creates serious relationship problems. Usually, this happens because one of the two partners has low self-esteem and becomes addicted to the partner . Then, he loses objectivity and the relationship becomes a constant conflict.

  • You can learn more about this phenomenon in this article: “Emotional dependence: the pathological addiction to your partner”

14. Disappointment

Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations of the couple, and when we start to have more contact with them we realize that was not what we had imagined . This does not mean that our partner is not a worthy person, but that many times we ourselves create these unrealistic expectations about what love is and about the person we live with.