1. Communication problems
As we have said, couples learn how to manage conflict, and communication is very important at this level. Dialogue is essential for the relationship to work and is one of its essential bases, as it keeps alive the common life project that two people who love each other have set up.
If one of the members of the couple does not have enough empathy and is not able to understand the other, or if they do not have the capacity to give their opinion in a clear way, the relationship will hardly be able to work because conflicts will be inevitable.
2. Living together
One of the most common problems in relationships is living together. Often we have unreal expectations about living together with the person we love and an idealized image of sharing the same space for many hours. These false beliefs can be at the root of many conflicts that need to be managed properly and at the right time. When living with other people, it is necessary to negotiate, give in and reach agreements. Couple relationships are no exception to the rule.
3. Infidelity
Although infidelity often has other causes, such as poor communication or lack of affection, it is a very serious couple problem that is often impossible to overcome. In different surveys carried out in Spain, data shows that 60% of men and 45% of women have admitted to having been unfaithful at least once in their lives. This shows that infidelity seems to be very present in couple relationships. Couple therapies can be very useful to overcome this problem.
4. Differences in core values
A person’s core values influence the opinion and behavior of each member of the couple. When these values are not shared by the couple, this can lead to serious conflict. Although it is not always easy to overcome these differences, respect for each other’s opinions is a key element in minimizing them, even if you do not share the same values.
5. Traumatic events
Sometimes, certain traumatic events can occur in the life of one of the members of the couple and can lead to an existential crisis. This will obviously influence the couple’s well-being and the way they interact. If one member of the couple is going through a delicate moment such as, for example, the death of a loved one, it is often advisable to call in a psychologist so that this personal situation does not sound the death knell for the common relationship.
6. Problems outside the couple
While some traumatic events can wreak havoc on the relationship, other problems outside the relationship can also affect the union of the spouses. For example, if one spouse feels stressed or tired of work, this may be felt at home.
Too much or too little work, strict or inflexible schedules, job insecurity or poor relationships with partners can have consequences, not only in the workplace but also in the relationship.
7. Problems with the family
Sometimes conflicts are not directly related to the two lovers but may arise with certain family members (or even close friends). These problems can affect the quality of the relationship and weaken the couple. If, for example, problems arise with a mother-in-law or father-in-law, the repercussions on the couple will be felt very quickly.
8. Economic Difficulties
As we said, job stress can be a problem, but so can being unemployed and having serious financial difficulties. The inability to achieve a certain economic stability prevents one from looking ahead and frequently causes conflict within the couple.
9. Children
Having children is undoubtedly one of the best human experiences and one of the most beautiful consequences of loving someone, because it is a sign of absolute love and an enlargement of the family unit. However, what can be so positive and wonderful also has its setbacks and can be complicated at times, largely because of the unrealistic expectations that may exist about having children, but also because of role conflicts or because of the stress that parenting generates.
10. Uncertain Future
Healthy couples are generally those who have a shared project, a common project. They are united and act to achieve this shared goal. But when the members of the couple wonder if they should still be together, difficulties arise. Conflicts are frequent in this situation
12. Emotional dependence
Emotional dependence also causes serious problems in a couple relationship. Usually, it is due to the fact that one of the two members of the couple has low self-esteem and begins to experience a real addiction for the couple. When this is the case, he or she loses all objectivity and the relationship becomes a constant source of conflict.
13. Disappointment
Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations about the couple and when we are confronted with reality, we realize that it is not what we had imagined. This does not mean that our partner is not a good person, but often we ourselves have created unrealistic expectations about love and the person we will live with.
