Relationship rescue
Tuesday 6 February 2007
When relationships reach breaking point, it can be hard to see how you can solve the problem.
While we can't wave a magic wand, take a look at our suggestions which might help put things back together again.
Honesty
If you can't be truthful with your other half, who can you be truthful with? Relationships based on honesty have a better chance than those which start out with a few uncovered lies.
Try and treat your partner how you'd expect to be treated. If there's something bothering you about them, get it out in the open.
Leaving something to fester will only make it worse because when the truth comes out- and it will- it may come out in anger or as part of an argument. If you're not sure about the feelings you have, talk them through.
Take a break
If it seems as if things are going nowhere and you just don't know what to do about your relationship, step back from it. Having a bit of time out will help clear your head and also make you think about what you want from a relationship.
Taking a break doesn't mean you're splitting up; you're just getting out of each other's faces for a while.
Trust
It's very important that you trust your other half. Accusations and jealousy can make relationships worse and may scare off your partner.
If your partner is making you think that they're up to something they shouldn't be, try and be absolutely sure before you confront them. To be accused of something you haven't done isn't a good feeling and usually gets a bad reaction.
Ask your friends for advice, but avoid taking notice of gossip and hearsay. If you don't trust your other half, then your relationship is going to be tough. Learn to be a bit more relaxed and things might start getting back on track.
Be there for each other
When one of you is down in the dumps, it's important for the other person in the relationship to be understanding. Many relationships break up because one half of the partnership feels neglected by the other, whether it's because of outside influences or just that they don't realise how they're feeling.
Even if you don't see each other for a few days, little things like checking in with each other through phone calls or texts can make all the difference and lets your partner know you're thinking of them.
If they're having problems they need help with, don't leave it to their mates or family to pick up the pieces, be there and see what you can do and support if you can.
Have fun
What a lot of people in relationships forget to do is have fun together. Couples can spend so much time arguing that they can't remember why they got together in the first place.
Even if things aren't going too well, take some time to spend together which doesn't involve you tearing each other's hair out. Head to the cinema or go bowling, take a walk in the park or go out for some food and just put your problems behind you, even if for only a couple of hours.
