Fights, arguments, infidelity, mistrust, jealousy and growing apart can all threaten to ruin your relationship. It is virtually impossible for two people to get along perfectly all the time, but when hard times arise, some couples run scared. If you and your significant other have had trials in your relationship, you may be wondering whether you should just break up and dissolve it. But if you're still in love and willing to put forth the necessary effort, you can fix a relationship through communication and commitment to change.
Step 1
Recognize the problems in the relationship. Take some time to reflect on the biggest issues you're facing. Some problems, such as infidelity, may be too significant to fix. But others, such as communication and jealousy, can be fixed with the proper amount of effort. If it helps, write down the issues you think you and your partner are facing, so you can discuss them together.
Step 2
Arrange for a time when you can sit with your partner and talk frankly about the state of your relationship. Acknowledge that it's in trouble, and let her know that you're willing to work to fix it if she is. There's no point in trying to fix a broken relationship when the other person is not emotionally invested in the repair process as well.
Step 3
Apologize for your part in the breakdown, recommends lifestyle website ILoveIndia.com. Even if you think the relationship problems are 100 percent the other person's fault, you can likely look inward and find a few faults of your own that caused the relationship to go sour. Be honest, and take responsibility for your part without any clauses that place blame on your partner.
Step 4
Ask your partner what you can do to fix the relationship. He'll likely have some ideas that will make him feel more in love, more secure and more connected with you. Talk about some of the things that he could do to change the relationship, to fix it and to make it better. Foster an environment of open communication so you can start anew together.
Step 5
Commit to making a change, recommends Susan Jeffers, relationship expert and author of "The Feel the Fear Guide to Lasting Love." Verbally commit to your partner your willingness to change, and renew your promise to put forth the effort to save the relationship. Do all those things that you promised you would do to make it better, and create an ongoing dialogue about the state of your relationship so it gets the attention it needs to be successful.
References
- I Love India: How Can You Fix a Bad Relationship
- "The Feel the Fear Guide to Lasting Love"; Susan Jeffers; 2005
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