Love Advice: A Couple in Crisis: How Can They Get Through It In 2025?
A couple in crisis is normal. There are few couples who do not encounter some obstacles and who do not experience disagreements on their path; moreover, the midlife crisis is very common these days.
However, if you recognize in advance what these relationship problems might be, you will have a much better chance of overcoming a relationship crisis.
While every relationship experiences its ups and downs, some couples have effectively dealt with their issues and maintained their love life.
They stick with it, tackle problems, and learn to solve the complex issues of everyday life.
Aside from couples therapy, find out what you can do to cope during a marital crisis.
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Relationships offer wonderful benefits in terms of well-being, life satisfaction, and stress management, but they are not without their challenges.
Misunderstandings can sometimes put a strain on a relationship. However, working through them alone or with a couples therapist can strengthen their bond or push them apart.
The outcome depends on how they handle the challenges.
Without a therapist or psychologist, it can be very difficult to resolve relationship issues in a healthy way.
This is particularly because stressors can come from many different sources.
Many achieve this by reading books and articles on personal development, attending seminars, or going to a marriage counselor.
Many couples achieve this by observing other successful couples or simply by learning from their mistakes.
And what’s surprising about this kind of situation is that bad relationships can lead to poor health in the long run.
Disagreements may arise and mistakes may be made. However, what really matters is how you handle relationship problems.
Whatever the problems, you both need to learn how to deal with them. Check out the following tips for dealing with relationship problems.
What makes a healthy relationship?
Every relationship is unique, and people get together for many different reasons.
A healthy love story is defined in part by sharing a common goal about the nature and direction you want your relationship to take.
And you will only know this by talking deeply and honestly with your partner.
However, most healthy love lives have a few characteristics in common.
Knowing these basic principles can help ensure that your relationship remains meaningful, fulfilling, and exciting no matter what goals you pursue or challenges you face together.
You maintain a meaningful emotional connection with the other
Each of you makes the other feel loved and emotionally fulfilled. There is a difference between being loved and feeling loved.
When you feel loved, you feel accepted and valued by your partner, as if someone truly understands you.
Some relationships get stuck in peaceful coexistence, but without the partners really feeling close to each other on an emotional level.
Although the relationship may seem stable on the surface, the lack of ongoing involvement and emotional connection only adds distance between two people. If your relationship is going badly, you need to start over on a new basis.
There are couples who discuss quietly, while others may raise their voices and express their disagreement with too much passion.
However, the key to a strong relationship is not being afraid of conflict. You need to feel safe to express things that bother you without fear of retaliation and be able to resolve conflicts without humiliating, degrading, or insisting on being right.
You maintain outside relationships and interests
Despite what romantic novels or movies claim, no one person can meet all your needs.
In fact, expecting too much from your partner can put unhealthy pressure on a relationship.
To stimulate and enrich your romantic relationship, it is important to maintain your own identity outside of the relationship, preserve ties with in-laws and friends, and nurture your hobbies and interests.
You communicate openly and honestly
Excellent communication is a key part of any relationship. When both people know what they want from the relationship and feel comfortable expressing their needs, fears, and desires, it can build trust and strengthen the bond between you.
Instructions for a couple in crisis
In a relationship, it can be very difficult to resolve problems in a healthy way, especially because stressors can come from many different sources. Here are some of the most common sources of stress and marital problems.
Money problems
Stress related to money conflicts is one of the most commonly cited marital problems couples face.
Typically, when couples engage in conflict over money, there is an underlying source of their argument.
These are power struggles, for valorization and different needs, or other issues surrounding money.
However, during times of economic hardship, financial stress can actually cause more general stress, more conflict over topics unrelated to money, and arguments centered around money.
For example, when one partner is extremely stressed about money, they may be less patient and more stressed in general; they may then argue with the other partner about topics unrelated to money without even realizing it.
Children’s education
Children can bring another potential source of stress and marital problems.
Children are wonderful and can bring wonderful and meaningful gifts into our lives, but having kids can bring added stress into a marriage because caring for them requires more responsibilities as well as a change in roles, which provides more fodder for disagreements and tensions.
The arrival of children in your marriage also reduces the time available for bonding between the couple. This combination can test even the strongest bonds.
Daily stress
It’s not always easy to lead a happy married life. Daily stressors do not necessarily mean marital problems, but they can exacerbate existing problems.
When one partner has had a stressful day, they are more likely to be impatient when they come home, to handle conflict less expertly, and to have less emotional energy to devote to developing their relationship.
When both partners have had a tough day, this situation is of course exacerbated. Like financial stress, general daily stress can test patience and optimism, leaving couples with less energy to give to each other emotionally.
The personality
Personality can play a big role in discussions and habits surrounding money.
Even if both partners are debt-free, the age-old conflict between spenders and savers can manifest itself in many ways.
It’s important to know your money personality—and your partner’s—and to discuss these differences openly.
In short, some people are natural savers who can be perceived as tight-fisted and risk-averse; others are big spenders and like to be noticed; and still others enjoy shopping and buying.
Others accumulate debt, often without thinking, while still others are natural investors who delay gratification in view of future self-sufficiency.
Many of us may exhibit more than one of these characteristics at any given time but usually fall back on one main type.
Regardless of which profile you and your spouse best fit, it’s best to recognize bad habits, address them, and moderate them.
Busy schedules
In private life, marital problems can result from a busy schedule for several reasons:
• Couples with busy schedules are often stressed, especially if they don’t take care of themselves with quality sleep and good nutrition.
• Busy couples may feel less connected because they have less time to spend together and more separation in their lives.
• They may not work as a team and may argue over who takes responsibility for domestic and social responsibilities.
Power games
Power plays often occur in one of these four scenarios:
1. One partner has paid employment and the other does not.
2. Both partners would like to work, but one of them is unemployed.
3. One spouse earns significantly more than the other.
4. One partner comes from a family that has money and the other doesn’t.
When one or more of these situations arise, the earner (or the one who earns or has more money) often wants to dictate the couple’s spending priorities.
While this idea may be justified, it is important that both partners cooperate as a team.
Keep in mind that while a joint account offers greater transparency and access, it is not, in and of itself, a solution to an imbalanced power/money dynamic in a marriage.
Bad communication
In a relationship, perhaps the biggest predictor of marital problems is poor or negative communication that hides damaging attitudes and dynamics in the relationship.
In fact, negative communication is so damaging that it’s easy to predict which couples may end up divorced later. Just look at their communication dynamics and social media behavior.
Healthy communication is essential. On the other hand, unhealthy communication can lead to serious relationship problems.
The family
Co-managing finances and respecting each spouse’s goals, needs and expectations for their extended family can be particularly tricky.
Take, for example, his mother—she wants a vacation to Las Vegas. His parents need a new car. His brother can’t pay the rent. His sister’s husband lost his job.
Now one spouse writes a check and the other wants to know why that money wasn’t used to pay for household needs or to fund a vacation for “us.”
When a serious crisis occurs—an illness, a major storm, an unexpected death—the pressure can be magnified.
The money dynamic in the family works the other way too. His mother will pay to bring him home for the holidays.
Her mother will finance a new car because the one she drives is a Honda and not a Lexus.
His mother buys extravagant gifts for her grandchildren, and his mother can’t afford to match that kind of spending. The joys of family often extend to your wallet (forgive the sarcasm).
Bad habits
Sometimes couples encounter marital problems that could be solved if both partners became aware of their bad habits and changed them.
People don’t always make a conscious decision to argue over trivial things, to complain and criticize, or to leave messes for the other person to clean up, for example.
They get busy or distracted, stress increases, and they go on autopilot. They then find themselves following the same patterns they didn’t realize they were choosing in the first place.
People settle into negative relationship patterns, develop lazy personal habits, or get stuck in a routine that they perpetuate out of habit.
How do you solve relationship problems?
Couples can work together with the common goal of fixing things by following some of the useful tips for relationship problems. They can start dating again like the old days. Adopt basic solutions to bring freshness to your relationship.
1. Stop arguing
Arguing doesn’t solve anything. Some couples argue with their partner about money at least once a week.
These arguments can turn small relationship problems into big problems. To properly handle a difficult situation, the first thing to do is to stop arguing.
Rather than arguing, a couple should handle the dilemma in a calm manner.
So, arguing is not so bad if it is done in an appropriate way. Rather, we can say that the best thing is to communicate honestly and calmly.
2. Start over from scratch
Ask him out. Make sure you remember why you did it the first time and build from there.
When did you talk for hours, hold hands at the movies, or give her a kiss when she wasn’t expecting it?
Do stupid things to each other. If you don’t feel like it, do it anyway; then you’ll remember why.
3. Sign a prenatal or postnuptial agreement
If you can’t agree but your heart won’t let you go, a prenuptial agreement may be a solution.
Just be aware that one partner may find it insulting. Best practice would be to first have a conversation about the financial anxiety that is causing one partner to think a prenuptial agreement is the best solution.
If this is a second marriage for both partners, for example, they may have financial assets that they want to pass on to their respective children.
If you’ve already said “I do,” and you want more than just vows to protect you, you may want to create a painless postnuptial agreement (or marital contract).
This marital contract may underscore your love for one another, but it can be a hard sell and can end up eroding marital trust if not used as intended or worded properly. On the other hand, some postnuptial agreements can help salvage a marriage after a crisis that has undermined trust.
4. Manage your emotions
One of the major relationship problems that arise is the inability of partners to manage their emotions.
Negative emotions felt by one partner are directly related to the negative emotions of the other partner.
Negative responses during a conversation are likely to elicit equally negative expressions from the other person.
So, before you tackle the issue(s) head-on, take some time to get your emotions under control. Agreeing to stop arguing and actually doing it are two completely different things. Take some time to cool down and calm down. It is very wise to choose to do so. You want to face the situation with a cool head.
5. Identify your financial personality
Personality, as stated above, is another aspect of your relationship that will play a major role in your financial plans and marital happiness or not.
Be mindful when dating and be honest about who you are and how you were raised.
Talking about your opinions and feelings can help put both partners at ease, or at least let them know what to expect.
6. Address relationship issues
Once emotions are under control, address relationship issues through healthy communication, one by one. This is how relationship issues are addressed.
The only way to start is to talk about it. Research indicates that there are four types of communication in relationships, each with its own set of benefits and costs. Now, it’s up to couples to figure out which type will work best to resolve their relationship conflicts.
Both parties have something to say, and these things need to be said. This is the time to be open with your partner and express what you really feel without being disrespectful or argumentative.
7. Check your ego
The issue of power play can quickly become unpleasant. Few things breed resentment faster than feeling inferior.
If you have more money, you need to be sensitive about how you present your spending decisions.
If you don’t have money, you must prepare yourself for the stress and tension that are almost inevitable, even in good marriages.
This topic comes up more and more often when couples wait until later to get married.
Studies have shown that people with more power are more likely to act selfishly, impulsively, and aggressively and to approach others with less empathy.
Each partner in a marriage should ask themselves whether their behavior is conducive to a more loving, appreciative, and equitable relationship or not.
A proven solution is for the higher-earning spouse to delegate all spending decisions to the lower-earning spouse.
It takes a certain personality to be able to make the decision to give up power, but if you can do it, it can be a good path to peace.
8. Stop taking others for granted.
Say “thank you” for that cup of coffee. Celebrate obscure birthdays. Tell her how much it means to you that she makes a great meal—or vice versa.
Notice her haircut. Ask her out. Clean her car. Pay attention to the little things and act like someone who values your relationship.
9. Find a resolution together
After you’ve taken the time to talk, start working toward a common goal, which is a resolution. At some point, someone has to say, “Let’s solve this problem so we can move forward.” If it’s something stupid, put it into perspective and let it go.
For more serious situations, find a solution that suits both parties.
When you’ve had a good night’s sleep, you can much more easily see your partner’s position and empathize, which means reconciliation is finally possible.
According to some research, men are less able to suppress a negative memory after sleeping than before sleeping.
Finding the right solution before you go to bed can save your relationship from going downhill. It will likely involve change, so commit to taking action. This will help resolve relationship issues and help your marriage grow and strengthen.
10. Change habits
Do you always come home angry? Then stop the car a block away and pray about it first, or do whatever it takes to change your attitude.
Does she always nag you when you leave dirty clothes on the floor? Try changing in another room and start a new habit.
Are you always arguing about discipline? Try to agree with her decisions and support her 100%. You may find that the kids behave better because you’re not arguing.
11. Change your perspective wisely
After finding a solution, it’s time to bring positivity back into your relationship.
Go on a date, cuddle on the couch, or enjoy an intimate evening in the bedroom. When you deal with relationship issues in a healthy way, making up is wonderful.
By changing your perspective a little and handling difficulties wisely, you can play a crucial role in saving your marriage and improving it dramatically.
How to stay in love?
For many people, falling in love happens as if by magic. It’s staying in love or preserving the experience that takes a lot of work and commitment. However, given the benefits it provides, the effort is worth it.
A healthy, secure romantic relationship can be a constant source of support and happiness in your life, through good times and bad, and strengthen all aspects of your well-being.
By taking steps now to preserve or rekindle your experience of love, you can build a meaningful relationship that lasts, even a lifetime.
Many couples only focus on their relationship when there are specific, unavoidable issues to overcome.
Once the problems are resolved, they often turn their attention back to their career, children, or other interests.
However, romantic relationships require ongoing attention and commitment for love to flourish.
As long as the health of a romantic relationship remains important to you, it will require your attention and effort. Identifying and addressing a small problem in your relationship now can often help prevent it from becoming a bigger problem later.
The following tips can help you preserve the love at first sight experience and keep your romantic relationship healthy.
Tip #1: Spend quality one-on-one time
You fall in love by looking at each other and listening to each other. If you continue to look at each other and listen to each other with the same attention, you can maintain the love at first sight experience in the long run.
You probably have fond memories of the first time you hung out with your loved one.
Everything seemed new and exciting, and you probably spent hours chatting together or thinking up exciting new things to try.
However, over time, the demands of work, family, other obligations, and the need we all have for time to ourselves can make it more difficult to find time together.
Many couples find that the face-to-face contact of the early days of dating is gradually replaced by texts, emails, and instant messages.
While digital communication is great in some ways, it doesn’t have the same positive impact on the brain and nervous system as face-to-face communication.
Texting or voice messaging your partner to say I love you is great, but if you rarely look at them or have time to sit down together, they’ll always feel like you don’t understand or appreciate them.
And you will become more distant or disconnected as a couple.
The emotional signals you both need to feel loved can only be conveyed in person, so no matter how busy life gets, it’s important to find time to spend together.
Tip #2: Stay connected through communication
A young man and woman sitting next to each other in a cafe, hands clasped, both smiling, the woman’s head tilted upwards in joy.
Excellent communication is a key component in all healthy relationships. When you feel like you have a good emotional connection with your spouse, you will feel happy and secure.
When people stop communicating properly, they stop having good relationships, and times of stress or change can bring out this disconnect. It may seem like a simplistic thing.
However, as long as you can communicate, you can also resolve the complications you face.
Tell him what would please you; don’t let him guess. It’s not always easy to express what you want and need.
First, many of us don’t take enough time to think about the things that are truly important to us in your relationship.
Even if you are aware of it, talking about it will bring out your vulnerable side or even embarrassment.
Try to put yourself in your spouse’s shoes. Being understanding and providing comfort to the person who makes your heart beat is a real pleasure, never a burden.
Tip #3: Maintain physical intimacy
Touch can be considered a fundamental element of human existence.
A few studies conducted on infants demonstrate the importance of constant and affectionate contact on the development of our brain.
The benefits extend beyond childhood. Affectionate contact increases levels of oxytocin in our bodies, a hormone that influences attachment and strengthens bonds.
For many, the cornerstone of a serious relationship is s+x. However, it should not be the only means of physical intimacy.
Frequent as well as affectionate contact like hugging and kissing are equally important.
Of course, you also need to be sensitive to your partner’s needs. Unwanted s+x and inappropriate signals can traumatize the other person.
So he will tense up and withdraw, and that is exactly what you will not like. As in many couples, other aspects of a healthy relationship depend on how communication is done.
Even if you have a hectic workload or young children to manage, you can maintain physical intimacy by having regular passionate moments together.
Whether it’s dinner at a new restaurant or a quick date at the end of the day, just sitting down, talking, or holding hands will make a big difference.
Tip #4: Learn to give and receive in your relationship
If you expect to get what you want 100% of the time in a relationship, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Healthy relationships are built on compromise. However, each person must make an effort to ensure that the exchange is reasonable. Acknowledge the things that are important to your significant other.
Understanding what really matters to the other can help create a healthy environment of good faith as well as compromise.
From another perspective, it is also important that each spouse recognizes his or her desires and that each of you expresses them precisely.
Constantly giving at the expense of your needs will only lead to growing resentment and anger.
The final word: couple in crisis
Trying to force a solution can cause even more problems. Everyone solves their problems and questions in their own way.
Remember that you are a team. By continuing to move forward together, you will be able to overcome difficult times.
Think back to the beginning of your relationship. Share the moments that brought you closer, examine when you began to drift apart, and determine how you can work together to rekindle that feeling of love.
Be open to change. Change is inevitable in life, and it will happen whether you embrace it or fight it.
Couples therapy or talking to a trusted friend or religious figure may help.
