HOW TO OVERCOME RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES: BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS.PEAK93

OVERCOMING RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES: BUILDING STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS.
The most common challenges in relationships are:failure to actively listen to each other in a relationship,failure to accept our mistakes in a relationship, failure to communicate boundaries with our partner,belittling and gaslighting among partners, comparison of our relationship to those of our friends,socialites and other people on the internet and unhealthy competition among people in a relationship.

FAILURE TO ACTIVELY LISTEN IN A RELATIONSHIP.
Not listening to our partner causes problems in our relationship because it undermines trust, communication, and emotional connection. When we don't listen, our partner feel invalidated, unheard, or dismissed, leading to feelings of frustration and resentment. Over time, this erodes the foundation of the relationship, making it difficult to resolve conflicts, understand each other's needs, and maintain intimacy.Let us show our partner that we are focused and attentive by making eye contact when we are speaking to each other.We should resist the urge to interrupt or interject our own thoughts when our partner is speaking. Instead, let them express themselves fully before responding.We can use nonverbal cues like nodding, smiling, and affirmative gestures to signal to our partner that we are listening and engaged in the conversation.Reflecting on what our partner has said by paraphrasing or summarizing their words will demonstrate our understanding and perspective of the conversation.Asking open-ended questions will encourage our partner to elaborate on their thoughts and invite a deeper conversation.Acknowledging and validating our partner's emotions, even if we don't necessarily agree with their perspective is very helpful and shows understanding.

FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE MISTAKES IN A RELATIONSHIP
Refusing to acknowledge mistakes, makes our partner feel betrayed or deceived, leading to feelings of resentment and skepticism about the honesty and integrity of the relationship.Admiting to our partner that we made a mistake without making excuses or shifting blame and acknowledging our actions or words that hurt or caused harm. Making a genuine apology to our partner, expressing remorse for any pain or inconvenience our mistake may have caused, and use the "I" statements to take ownership of our actions.

FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE BOUNDARIES IN A RELATIONSHIP.
Without clear boundaries, partners in a relationship may feel that their needs, preferences, or limits are being disregarded or violated. This can lead to feelings of resentment, frustration, and dissatisfaction within the relationship.We need to set aside dedicated time to have an open and honest conversation with our partner about boundaries. Starting with expressing our willingness to discuss boundaries and encourage our partner to do the same.Taking time to reflect on our needs, preferences, limits and identify specific boundaries that are important to us in various aspects of the relationship, such as communication, personal space, intimacy, and social interactions is proved to be helpful.

GASLIGHTING AND BELITTLING OUR PARTNER IN A RELATIONSHIP.
Gaslighting involves manipulating our partner's perception and ideas of reality, which undermines their trust in themselves and in the relationship. Belittling them in public further erodes trust when we humiliate and disrespect them in front of others.We should put ourself in our partner's shoes and consider how our words and actions might affect them, thus treating them with kindness, dignity, and respect, both in private and in public.We may foster open and honest communication with our partner, where both of us feel safe expressing thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or ridicule.

COMPARISON IN OUR RELATIONSHIP.
Comparing our intimate relationship with others often foster feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and insecurity. Each relationship is unique, and comparing ours to others' can create unrealistic expectations or highlight perceived shortcomings, damaging the trust and connection between partners.It's essential to focus on nurturing and understanding our own relationship rather than constantly measuring it against others. We should discuss with our partner how comparison makes us feel and ask them to stop.

UNHEALTHY COMPETITION IN A RELATIONSHIP.
Rather than openly communicating and working together towards shared goals in a relationship, unhealthy competition fosters an environment of secrecy and mistrust.
We should be open and honest with our partner about the negative effects of competition in our relationship,and discuss shared goals and values, and explore ways to work together as a team rather than against each other
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