Solving Relationship Problems in Four Manageable Steps

Relationship problems are no joke, but it’s important to approach them the correct way if you’re serious about making a difference and dealing with the issues at hand. In this post, we’re going to cover how you can solve relationship problems in four manageable steps, giving you an actionable route to tackling virtually any issue in your relationship.

1. Open up and start talking

This is a step that can be broken up into three different actions.

Firstly, identify the issue. If you don’t admit that there’s a problem, then you’re not going to be able to define it. Ask yourself an honest question; what’s the issue in your relationship and is it something that you can change in a practical manner? If it’s something that would require months of work, then it’s a good idea to start talking about it as early as possible.

Secondly, make sure you think of a feasible solution. For instance, if the issue is that your partner has an addictive personality, then perhaps looking for a men’s drug and alcohol rehab center is a good place to start. The last thing you want is to approach your partner about a relationship problem but not have a viable solution to suggest. Make sure you’ve done your research and prepare a bit of information to start and continue the conversation.

Finally, speak to them. It’s going to take a little bit of preparation before we suggest you actually talk, but it’s a good idea to speak up eventually.

2. If you’re not able to talk now, plan a time for it

Spontaneous discussions about a sensitive topic aren’t going to work–you both need time to speak about it. Instead of just randomly talking about it and approaching your partner, set a date and time to speak about it. It could be later in the evening, on the weekend or even after a short holiday. Whatever the time frame, it will give you both some time to mentally prepare for the conversation.

3. Make sure you’re talking and listening

It’s incredibly important that you actually talk and listen instead of just doing one or the other. You need to manage a conversation and ensure it’s a productive and insightful one that actually covers both of your points of view. Instead of just pulling the conversation to your side, you have to think about giving your partner a chance to talk and explain, and you need to do your best to listen and understand their perspective.

4. Agree on a plan to carry out

Lastly, both of you should agree on a plan and carry it out in a practical way. Whether it’s trying to get rid of a bad habit, dealing with a startling revelation or even managing a financial problem, there should be a clear-cut solution to solve the issue or at least reach some kind of understanding. Maybe it’ll take a day, maybe two weeks or even a month–however long it is, you’re not going to make any progress unless you agree to a plan.