Relationships are all fun and games until, well, they aren’t. In the honeymoon stage, everything is rainbows and butterflies. Literally, you feel like you have a million butterflies flying around your stomach. We've all been there, right? You can't think straight. Everything your partner does is adorable. You can’t even imagine you two fighting. And then one day, boom: The honeymoon stage starts to fade away and those once cute things start to drive you insane. All of a sudden, you're trying to figure out how to save your relationship.
Things can change pretty quickly, and you're left trying to figure out how to save your relationship. You’ve taken off those rose-colored glasses and can really see that you are a normal couple trying to fit two lives into one, and it ain’t so easy. So when the going gets tough, the tough get going — unfortunately, some people literally get going out of that relationship. It’s easy to be in a happy and blissful relationship. But when life gets real, you’re going to want a partner that will stick through it all.
So when your relationship seems like it’s taken a downward turn, try these different ways to save it. It’s worth a shot. Or two.
1. Therapy
Don’t knock it till you try it. Therapy may not be something that is easy for you and your partner to agree on. Often, people are afraid to admit they need professional help. Put your worries aside and try at least one session. Feel around for the right couples therapist, one where you and your partner both feel comfortable. Don’t be ashamed. Pretty much everybody is going to therapy now. And for good reason, too! It helps.
2. Sex
There’s nothing like a spending a day (or morning, or afternoon, or evening...you get the idea) in bed together that can make everything better again. Getting intimate with your partner will bring you two closer than ever. Sometimes when you feel lost and disconnected from your significant other, having sex is just what the doctor ordered.
3. Communication
It’s not easy to speak up and truly have honest conversations, especially in relationships. It’s quite common for us to sweep things under the rug and never say how we’re feeling. The problem is that this rug gets so dirty that it starts to become unbearable to clean. Therefore, it’s crucial to talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend about your feelings, no matter how unpleasant.
4. Vacation
Vacation solves everything right? Well, not everything, but it sure helps. Sometimes all we need is a little vacation from the stress of life to realize what life is all about. Taking a vacation with your lover may be exactly what you need to save the relationship. Getting away from the chaos and the day to day irritations may make you realize how strong the love is being you two.
5. Date Nights
In the beginning of a relationship, date nights are how you both are getting to know each other. However, as soon as you start getting closer and your relationship is growing, that means less date nights and more hanging out together nights. It’s crucial to bring back the date nights and experience that one on one time together.
6. Space
You wouldn’t think it, but space could actually help your relationship. People say distance makes the heart grow fonder, so, you know — get your distance on. Taking a little space may give you just enough breathing room to figure out how to make your relationship better. I’m not saying take some space and go hook up with another person, but take some real time to contemplate what it is that you and your partner need to get on the right track.
7. Forgiveness
Some people say, “I can forgive, but I will never forget.” I get that. But in a relationship this can look a lot like resentment. You need to be able to forgive your partner for the wrongs he or she has done if you want to move forward. Not everything is forgivable, nor should it be. However, if you truly feel that you are dedicated to this relationship and want to make it work, forgiving and really forgetting is key.
Images: Ryan Polei/Flickr; Giphy (7)
