Every relationship has challenges and difficulties at some point. It's a common and unavoidable part of being with someone. But how can you determine if your relationship is truly broken? What defines a broken relationship? And if it is broken, is there a chance to fix it? If you're grappling with relationship problems or wondering if your relationship can be salvaged, continue reading.
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In any relationship, disagreements are normal, but constant arguments may make you question if your connection is irreparable. Here are some signs that your relationship may be unhealthy or broken:
- Lack of effective communication
- One or both partners prioritize other aspects of life over the relationship
- Emotional or physical withdrawal
- Feeling resentment towards your partner
- Trust issues and dishonesty
- Intentionally distancing yourself from affection or intimacy
- Mutual disrespect and mistreatment
If you notice any of these signs in your relationship, it's an indication that your relationship may be fragile. However, it doesn't necessarily mean it's beyond repair.
8 Ways to Fix a Broken Relationship
The following tips outline effective ways to mend a broken relationship. However, it's crucial to note that both individuals must be invested in the relationship for any progress or resolution to occur.
1. Rediscover the dating phase
Maintaining a strong connection can be challenging when couples no longer spend quality time together. Make it a priority to "date" your partner at least once a week. This doesn't have to involve extravagant expenses; it can be as simple as sitting in the car, conversing, and enjoying music. Designate a specific time each week and mark it on both your calendars.
2. Prioritize your relationship
After being together for a while, the initial excitement of a relationship can diminish, and daily routines and responsibilities take precedence. To prevent this, regularly check in with each other at unscheduled times and share exciting news with your partner first. By prioritizing the relationship, you can maintain a strong connection, rebuild trust, and reignite the love that may have faded.
3. Release expectations
Often, individuals in relationships have expectations about how their partners should behave or act. However, expecting your partner to read your mind is unrealistic. Learn to communicate your needs and requests effectively. Instead of assuming they should know, express yourself clearly and kindly. For instance, you can say, "Trash day is on Thursdays. Would you mind setting a reminder on your phone to take it out weekly? It would be a big help for me." Letting go of expectations is a challenging but necessary step in repairing a broken relationship and alleviating negative emotions.
4. Establish a weekly meeting
Managing household responsibilities can become monotonous and overwhelming. Set up a weekly meeting with your partner to discuss upcoming tasks, appointments, and chores. This meeting sets clear expectations for both parties throughout the week and ensures effective coordination. For example, you can confirm who will drop off and pick up the kids from school. By implementing a weekly meeting, you can maintain a functional relationship in the long run.
5. Express gratitude
Expressing gratitude, even for small gestures, can strengthen your relationship. It's common for partners to take each other for granted over time. Take a moment to thank your partner for both minor and significant contributions. Acknowledging their efforts, such as leaving work early to take the dog to the vet, can go a long way. For instance, you can say, "I know how busy you are at work, so I genuinely appreciate you rearranging your schedule to help out." Showing appreciation can be a powerful step towards healing a broken relationship.
6. Embrace physical affection
Engaging in physical affection can be challenging during times of relationship strain. However, as you spend more quality time together, you can gradually regain confidence and passion in your relationship. For instance, while watching a movie at home, try reaching over and holding your partner's hand. This simple gesture can strengthen the connection between you and reignite the spark. Healing a broken relationship may be challenging, but small acts of kindness can work wonders.
7. Break free from routines and have fun
Long-term relationships often fall into repetitive routines. While routines can be comforting, neglecting each other unintentionally can strain the relationship. Break free from the monotony by introducing new activities. Instead of sitting on the couch every night watching TV, try turning it off a few nights a week. Engage in fun activities like playing games, taking walks together, or listening to music. Interactive experiences provide quality time that surpasses the passive act of watching TV.
8. Seek professional help
Seeking therapy is an effective solution for repairing a broken relationship. Individual therapy can be beneficial, but couples counseling, whether in-person or online, may be more valuable if both partners are willing.
Is It Possible To Fix Your Relationship?
Couples therapy provides a platform for both individuals to express their thoughts and emotions under the guidance of a certified mental health expert. Although some partners may initially be hesitant, relationship counseling can be incredibly valuable when both parties are committed to the process and success of the relationship. Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) has been extensively researched and shown to bring short-term and long-term improvements to relationships. Recent studies revealed that over 75% of couples who underwent EFT reported significant improvements in their relationship, indicating a higher success rate compared to standard treatment methods.
Don't lose hope if your relationship feels strained. Therapy can be highly beneficial, especially when both individuals actively participate in the treatment.
When to Walk Away?
To determine the right course of action for your relationship, consider the following indicators. If any of these apply to your situation, it may be time to prioritize your mental health and consider leaving the relationship. No conflict or relationship issue is worth enduring if it significantly harms your mental well-being.
1. The presence of sexual, verbal, or physical abuse
If any form of abuse is present in your relationship, prioritizing your safety becomes paramount. Abuse erodes self-worth, confidence, and identity. While leaving an abusive relationship is challenging, it is essential for your well-being.
2. Refusal to take responsibility
If your partner consistently avoids taking responsibility for their actions within the relationship, it may be time to move on. A successful relationship requires shared commitment and accountability. When one partner refuses to accept this responsibility, it becomes difficult to find a way forward.
3. Lack of trust
Trust is the foundation of a healthy partnership. Without it, there can be no genuine connection. Additionally, a lack of trust often leads to jealousy and insecurity, which are detrimental to a successful relationship.
4. Mutual lack of respect
A solid relationship is built on mutual respect and care. If you feel that your partner consistently disrespects you and fails to acknowledge your feelings even after discussing them, it may be necessary to reevaluate the relationship. A one-sided, troubled dynamic that disregards your emotions is unlikely to be worth your time and effort.
5. Toxicity in the relationship
A toxic relationship is characterized by jealousy, dishonesty, resentment, and constant competition. This toxicity can negatively impact your emotional well-being and physical health. If you find yourself in a toxic partnership, it is crucial to reassess your priorities.
6. Fundamental incompatibility
Significant differences in core values, aspirations, and beliefs can make it impossible to sustain a healthy relationship. If you have fallen out of love and realized that you and your partner are fundamentally incompatible, it may be time to let go.
7. Discomfort in being yourself
Feeling uncomfortable and unable to be your authentic self around your partner requires careful consideration of the value the relationship brings to your life. If the answer is not much, it may be necessary to make significant changes.
The Bottom Line
Fixing a broken relationship takes work and effort from both people involved. Even though it's not always easy, it is possible to rebuild trust, rekindle the love, and make the relationship stronger. Remember that getting help from a professional, such as through marriage therapy, can be very helpful. Don't give up on your relationship just because it feels tense. With hard work and the right help, you can find a way to move forward.
An important thing to remember, according to psychologist Wilda Harrison, is that not every relationship can be saved. "It's fine to try to fix a broken relationship, but sometimes it's better to just walk away, especially if there is abuse, constant disrespect, or a fundamental lack of compatibility. Taking care of your mental health should always come first, even if it means ending a relationship that seems hopeless", she says.
But what should you do if you think your partner is keeping something from you, like cheating? Trust problems are hard to get over, and that's where iFindCheaters comes in. With our private online service, you can find out what your partner is hiding without invading their privacy or making things worse if they get caught. You can find out if someone is cheating on you by using our powerful algorithms to check over 55+ popular dating and alternative lifestyle platforms. Put your worries to rest and take charge of your relationship with iFindCheaters.
Remember that it takes time, patience, and a desire to work through problems together to build a healthy relationship. You can fix a broken relationship and make it better and more satisfying with the right tools and help. Take the first step and put money into your relationship today.
