12 Most Common Relationship Problems Couples Have and How to Fix Them

Though you may feel your relationship issues are unique, they’re not. Most couples experience common relationship problems. There’s nothing new under the sun. That said since they’re common relationship problems, there are well-researched solutions.

So, I’m going to dive in and discuss the 12 most common relationship problems and how to fix them.

Lack of boundaries

Having boundaries sounds a little boring, right? Who wants boundaries? Yet, a lack of boundaries can create further common relationship problems to pop up.

Setting boundaries is crucial in any relationship. These boundaries can vary; for example, it can be how much time you two spend together or communication boundaries. The point is you and your partner openly establish boundaries that maintain respect and understanding in the relationship.

Solution:

The only way to overcome this is by establishing boundaries. Sit with yourself and think about the boundaries you need to feel protected in your relationship. After, discuss them with your partner and listen to the boundaries they need.

Routine fights

You and your partner are having the same fights, over and over again. It’s like watching a movie on repeat; it’s exhausting. However, these conflicts not only show you there’s a problem but show that both partners are willing to fight to overcome it. 

Solution:

What is the root cause of your fight? And what does each person want to happen? You need to understand each other’s points of view if you want to move forward. Most likely, you’ll need to compromise with your partner if you want to move on from this conflict.

Lack of trust

Now, this is a big one. If you and your partner don’t trust each other, then your relationship isn’t really what I would call a relationship. A healthy relationship is built on trust. Clearly, something happened to shift your foundation and now, there’s a lack of trust.

Solution:

Identify what happened and where the trust was lost in your relationship. After, make the decision of whether or not you want to work on building back trust. Both partners have to be willing to work on this; if not, this will foster other common relationship problems.

Children

For couples with children, this is on the list of common relationship problems. It’s easy for parents to be divided into the good cop and bad cop, separating them and causing conflict.

Solution:

For couples with children, this is on the list of common relationship problems. It’s easy for parents to be divided into the good cop and bad cop, separating them and causing conflict.

Financial issues

One in 10 people argue with their partner about money, finances, or debt at least once a day. That’s substantial.

Solution:

The solution isn’t to hide financial problems from your partner. Understand that everyone has their own views when it comes to spending and saving. Identify the type you and your partner are, and work towards making a plan that helps you meet in the middle.

Friends

You want your friends to like your partner and vice versa. We all want that. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. You may not like your partner’s friends, and their friends may not like you. Ouch. This is a little tricky.

If their friends are bad influences, that’s one thing. And it’s something you should discuss with your partner. But, it may just be a personality conflict.

Solution:

If it’s a personality clash, there’s not much you can do. Naturally, limit your time with them without making it me vs. them. While your partner hangs out with their friends, go spend time with your friends. And when you do spend time with them, try to be as civil as possible. These are people your partner values in their life.

Lack lustful sex

The physical connection is an important part of a romantic relationship. After some time together, naturally, things can become a little dull, which is normal. When sex feels boring, couples tend to have less of it. You don’t want to happen. However, it’s up to you and your partner to work on that.

Solution:

Talk! Yes, talk! You need to express how you’re feeling about your sex life to your partner. If you think things have gotten dull, express how you feel and find ways to bring the spark back into the bedroom. There are tons of ways to do it, but it all starts with communication.

Poor communication

Talk about relationship problems communication is one of the most common ones. For any healthy relationship, you need to communicate with each other. That said, it’s not easy telling your partner how you feel. Yet, a lack of communication can create more common relationship problems and conflict.

Solution:

It’s all about taking baby steps. Sit down with your partner when you’re calm and tell them how you’re feeling. Doing this frequently can help you feel more comfortable when it comes time to talk about more serious and awkward subjects.

Not prioritizing the relationship

If you want to have a healthy and successful relationship, it needs to be important to you. Many common relationship problems stem from one or both partners not investing enough time and energy into the relationship.

Solution:

It comes down to finding a balance. Do not take your partner or relationship for granted. Make quality time in your day for them. At the same time, make sure you do things that fulfill you, such as spending time with friends and family or doing hobbies.

Lack of compromise

We all want things to go our way. But when you’re in a relationship, there are two opinions that need to be taken into consideration. And naturally, this can cause some problems. You want it one way, they want it the other. So what are you going to do?

Solution:

Compromise! Unless you want to end the relationship, both of you need to compromise. Let go of your ego, ease up on your self-interest, and see where you two can meet in the middle.

Infidelity

Well, if this isn’t one of the most common relationship problems, then I don’t know what is. Someone in your relationship cheated. It happens more often than we think. But cheating doesn’t happen out of the blue.

Solution:

What happened for this person to cheat? It’s a hard subject to talk about, but it needs to happen. Yes, relationships can be rebuilt after infidelity, but it takes a lot of work and honesty from both sides. Identify the reasons and work towards rebuilding the trust. Or, if not, go your separate ways.

Growing apart

We’re human beings, and as humans, we’re constantly growing and evolving. This may mean that you may grow out of your relationship.

Solution:

You and your partner, depending on the growth, can do two things. Either embrace the change and move with it. Or, go your separate ways.

The good thing about these common relationship problems is that they have solutions. So, identify what’s missing or needs to be worked on in your relationship and talk to your partner about.