*This is a collaborative guest post
Keeping a long-term relationship on the right track isn’t always easy, especially if you add the pressures of raising a family into the mix. With this in mind, here are three common relationship issues, along with tips on how to resolve them.
1. Problems between the sheets
Let’s face it, keeping the spark alive in a relationship can be a challenge, especially if you experience problems between the sheets. And if the sex between you and your other half starts to suffer, you might find you begin to drift apart. A whole range of problems can stop you from enjoying the physical side of your relationship, from pain during sex to loss of desire. In fact, it’s thought that a third of young and middle-aged women experience issues like these. Meanwhile, among men, erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual problems.
If you’re to stop issues like these from getting in the way of your sex life, it’s important to talk about them and, if necessary, look for treatments. Depending on the problem you or your partner has, you might want to speak to a doctor to find out which treatments are available. It’s also possible to get some medicines, including targeted erectile dysfunction treatments, online. For example, men can get a Viagra prescription from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Alternatively, if the cause of the issue is psychological, talking therapies might help.
It’s also important to make time for intimate moments with your other half. Romantic date nights could help to relax you both and put you in the mood.
2. Battles over who does what at home
Between making sure the laundry’s washed and ironed, cooking family meals and cleaning the house, you might sometimes feel swamped by household chores – and if you and your partner have different expectations about who should do what, you’re bound to argue about this. Perhaps you think your other half needs to do more around the home, or maybe they think you’re not pulling your weight. Over time, even little disagreements about these issues can lead to major resentment, and small arguments can escalate into full-scale disputes.
To avoid slanging matches, it’s important to make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to the division of tasks. This means talking to your partner and, if possible, coming up with a way of dividing chores that you both think is fair – and doing your best to stick to it. Be open to other ways of doing things too. For example, if you both hate housework and your budget will stretch to it, why not pay for a cleaner?
3. Lack of trust
A lack of trust can destroy any relationship, so if you or your other half have niggling doubts, it’s important to do something about it. There are a number of things that both of you may be able to do to increase trust. For example, try to ensure you always keep your promises. Whether it’s being in a certain place at a certain time or calling to keep in touch if you’re away from home, this will help to make your other half feel secure. Try to be as honest as possible too. It also helps to be a good listener. If your other half finds it easy to talk to you about things that are on their mind, they’re less likely to keep secrets.
Meanwhile, if either you or your partner has a major issue with trust, it might be worth speaking to a trained counsellor either individually or as a couple.
Keeping your relationship strong might sometimes be a challenge, but following advice like this can help you avoid a few of the most common pitfalls. The really important thing is that you’re prepared to make the effort.
