What Are Some Challenges Your Relationship Might Face?
Relationships can be challenging, no matter who you are or how in love you believe yourself to be. Having to cohabitate or get along with another individual with unique thoughts, opinions, and behaviors can ultimately lead to arguments or disagreements from time to time. As such, there can be any number of reasons why you and your partner are having trouble getting along. Thankfully, with Chapin & Russell Associates and our counselors who specialize in marriage and family for Peoria IL, we can help couples get to the bottom of their relationship concerns. Here are a few issues you and your significant other might find yourself contending with:
Setting Expectations (or Lack Thereof)
From minor tasks to major chores, there are some things you expect your partner to understand and assist with. Not only does this show respect for one another, but it lightens the load on individuals, helping make daily life a little less stressful. However, attitudes and emotions can quickly devolve if expectations in a relationship aren’t being met.
Here’s where the challenge comes in for relationships: was the other partner aware of said expectations? What might be “common sense” for someone might not be common knowledge for someone else. As such, if expectations are internalized and a significant other is unaware of said expectations, the relationship is set up for disappointment.
Not Listening or Comprehending
It can be frustrating to repeat yourself over and over. When couples continue to fight over the same issues, it’s often the result of improper communication, misunderstandings, or a lack of attention, none of which are beneficial to a happy relationship. If your relationship continues in such a manner, it’s only a matter of time before one or both partners could become fed up and wish to move on.
However, before your relationship reaches such a point, there are ways to minimize these disputes. For example, by engaging in active listening, you and your partner can more easily comprehend and recall what is being told. In turn, tensions don’t rise due to continued miscommunication. A trained relationship counselor, such as those you can find at Chapin & Russell Associates, can help you learn and perfect active listening techniques.
Misaligned Values and Priorities
We all have our differences that make us unique; it’s what makes being human so incredible! However, these differences in values and priorities sometimes set us at odds with others, which is especially problematic in a relationship. As such, a loving partnership is at its strongest when it can overcome differences in values and priorities.
It’s all about meeting common ground and becoming more open-minded. Some values, thoughts and traditions are deeply rooted in race, culture, religion and upbringing that are difficult to separate yourself from. There might be some difficult conversations with your partner, but if you can be accepting and understanding of each other, you can look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.
How Can Chapin & Russell Associates Assist?
At Chapin & Russell Associates, we employ therapists who are well-versed in relationship issues. Our relationship and marriage counselors help couples work through miscommunication, lost intimacy, infidelity, parenting struggles, and more. Furthermore, if you or someone you know struggles with their mental health, Chapin & Russell Associates supplies experienced counseling and neurofeedback services. Our goal is to see our clients reach the healthiest state of mind and be able to take on life confidently.
If you’d like to learn more about our relationship counseling in Peoria IL and the surrounding communities or schedule a session, call 309-681-5850. Chapin & Russell Associates’ main office is located at 3020 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL 61614.
