Relationships are said to be the most difficult yoga. I agree that relationships require the same level of focus, effort, and adaptability. As in yoga, we salute the sun every day in marriage and other romantic relationships, seeking to honour the best in ourselves, our partners, and our lives together. We stretch by striving to love our partner even when it’s not always easy. We bend by adapting to life’s unexpected curveballs; we twist when we wrestle with conflict; and we stretch by striving to love our partner even when it’s not always easy. And finding a balance between autonomy and intimacy can be as difficult as a one-armed side plank.
Many couples seek “the magic bullet” in the various contortions required by a relationship. There are, however, numerous keys to a healthy relationship and loving communication. No two couples are alike; each must navigate the difficulties of love. In love and marriage, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Finding your stride as a couple, on the other hand, has long-term benefits that make the dedication and effort worthwhile!
Top Love Relationship Challenges
1. Respect Your Differences
Many conflicts in love and marriage are caused by expecting our partners to be exactly like us. They aren’t! When we accept this fact, we can begin to appreciate our differences rather than using them as a source of contention and conflict.
What I discovered was that he wasn’t trying to hurt my feelings; he simply didn’t have the same perspective as me. It’s human nature to see the world through our own eyes. Healthy relationships, on the other hand, are built by creating a reliable bridge between each other’s private universes—not by compromising! To care for another human being, love and marriage require us to be uncomfortable at times.
2. Pretend Innocence
I once had a client who insisted her long-term boyfriend was having an affair. Instead of talking about her jealousy with him, she began checking his texts and emails, following him to and from work, and stewing in her fears until she became ill with worry. And, much to her surprise, she found no evidence to back up her concerns.
Pretend your innocence. Instead of making accusations, criticising, or faulting your partner, be curious and start a meaningful dialogue together. Suspend your judgement and look at life through their eyes.
3. Improve Yourself and Your Partner’s Questions
When we ask more meaningful questions, we get better answers that help us understand more, encourage exploration, and instill more trust in ourselves and our partners.
Seek to comprehend your partner’s point of view. Recognize how different they may perceive life, your relationship, family, and work.