Relationships are complicated. When things seem that they are going south, it is important to identify the pressure points and what your next steps will be. Based on the nature of the relationship, you may decide to exit completely, or give things another chance. In this article, we will discuss the warning signs which may indicate that your relationship has run its course.
Disrespect
This is one of the main pressure points. Disrespect can manifest itself through the smallest of arguments such as “you did not wash your dish”, extending to labelling and personality judgement, by referring to your partner as “lazy” and “selfish” for example. Such an approach to arguments is not something that develops overnight, but through time and can start to take a toll on your relationship. This can easily lead to rampant attacks which sews further damage.
Always right mentality
Conflicts and arguments are part of every relationship. Partners having the mentality that they are always right is destructive. It takes a certain degree of maturity to accept that we are not always right. When there is reluctance to reach some form of compromise, resentment may creep in.
Disagreement about kids
This is quite a sensitive topic and disagreements in this regard seem to increase with time. The traditional concept of a relationship is no longer endorsed by everyone. Today we have cases of partners in a relationship who do not want to have children. This may be due to different reasons, such as a hectic career which would allow little time for raising a family. When both partners are on opposite sides of the spectrum in this regard, it becomes quite problematic.
Issues with the family
Over the course of a long-term relationship, there may be some awkwardness in managing families. Any issues with your partner’s family need to be dealt with assertively and diplomatically. Family relationships tend to run deep and if boundaries are not respected, partners may be hurt, impacting the relationship negatively.
Lifestyle
A relationship may be strained due to certain lifestyle choices. One partner might prefer a quiet lifestyle, whilst the other would enjoy going out and socialising frequently. Although opposites do indeed attract, having partners on both extremes without the capacity of finding middle ground will hurt a relationship’s growth.
Money
This is an important topic and point of contention in most relationships. Every couple will discuss finances and fight over it at some point. If you cannot come to terms on how income will be generated, saved and spent, you are looking at some serious problems which need to be sorted. Partners who fail to align their vision when it comes to money management will face several problems in the future and jeopardise the existence of their relationship.
These are just some of the problems that can easily destroy relationships. Any more examples to mention? Let us know in the comments section below.
