After the initial honeymoon phase of a relationship, it’s totally normal for couples to go through a rough patch! Partners may feel a little more emotionally distant or, frankly, a little annoyed with each other.
It can be tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but fear not! Try out these five tips for getting your relationship out of a rough patch and back on track:
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1. Remember the good times
A trip down memory lane is always a good idea! If you’re in a rough patch, it can be hard to remember why you’re together in the first place, especially if things are pretty bad. Think about when you first met, the reasons that you fell for one another, and your favorite memories.
Focusing on these things (rather than the negative) will help you remember why you are together! Thinking about the good times can also help you recognize the healthy habits that once were and try to reincorporate them into your relationship.
2. Spend more time together
If you and your partner are in a rough patch and just are not getting along, it may seem counterintuitive to spend more time together — but you should! Here’s why: when couples are in a rough patch, it’s often because they are out of sync. Planning date nights, scheduling relationship check-ins, or starting a new hobby together can reignite your spark which can help you reconnect.
3. Prioritize intimacy
If you and your partner are in a rough patch, reflect on the level and types of intimacy in your relationship. Do you feel supported and appreciated by your partner? Do you snuggle together in bed? Are you having sex often? It is important to consider all aspects of intimacy: emotional, physical, and sexual. Focusing on all three can help boost your overall intimacy and increase feelings of closeness.
4. Get to the root of the problem
While some rough patches arise as a natural part of the relationship cycle, sometimes there is a specific incident that causes them. Is there an underlying problem that’s causing your rough patch? Getting to the root of the problem (which takes good communication and patience) can help you pinpoint the main culprit and find ways to move past it.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AilwZx-cmeU
5. Commit to counseling
It can be hard to break a relationship out of a rough patch on your own, especially if it’s been going on for a while. If this is the case, it’s a good idea for you and your partner to turn to a professional to help you navigate the rough patch and find ways to overcome it. Counselors are trained to help couples identify problems in their relationship, learn to improve communication, and get things back on track.
Relish
If you and your partner are going through a rough patch and are open to the idea of counseling, Relish is a convenient, effective option. Relish is a relationship coaching app that brings all the perks of therapy with the added convenience of being on your phone. It’s much cheaper than other therapy options, which means it won’t put any added strain on your relationship!
Relish is less about the client/counselor relationship than other forms of therapy and instead focuses on you, your partner, and your goals as a couple. The goal-oriented model allows you and your partner to see improvements quickly, which can help you break out of a rough patch and continue to improve your relationship.
Remember, rough patches are normal! An open mind, solid commitment, and good communication can help you break free and get back to being a happy, healthy couple.
