Interpersonal relationships are complex and need to be consistently nurtured. This is true in family relationships, between partners and between friends. Probably the most difficult to care for is the partner relationship. People often give up and marriages end in divorce. Yet perhaps seeking help earlier would have been enough.

Crisis in a relationship

Every relationship can go through a period when things are not rosy between partners. While some can work through it on their own, others turn to professionals to help them. There just aren’t many of them. Often, people feel that their relationship is going through a crisis but do nothing about it. Clearly, relationships don’t fall apart overnight. On the contrary. They fall apart slowly and gradually. But then, of course, there comes a point when the relationship is beyond help.

Do they both feel it?

You may have thought that while one partner feels that something is wrong, the other may be happy. Yes. That can be true. Experts say that both parties involved experience the breakup quite differently. Usually, the one who initiates the breakup experiences dissatisfaction for months or even years. His partner may even be surprised by the decision. This is exactly why it is necessary to talk to each other. About everything. Openly and without fuss. What seems like a trifle to one person can torment the other for years.

━━ ( Source: Travis Grossen /  Unsplash+ )

Nothing is overnight

It often looks strange to those around you. “But they were so happy. The perfect couple,” you often say to yourself. However, even those closest to you often can’t see into their private lives. In fact, break-ups and divorces certainly don’t happen out of the blue. Partners, or at least one of them, go through different phases in a relationship. It certainly doesn’t happen from one minute to the next. It is usually a long-term problem that is not resolved. It is often only in the head and thoughts of one of the couple.

The breaking point

A study that followed more than 11,000 people for twenty years was able to pinpoint the exact moment when a relationship between two people crosses the point of no return. The consequences are truly alarming. The research was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The results show that couples who crossed this threshold broke up between 7 and 28 months.

What’s most disturbing? Most couples seek professional help the moment there is no return. That is, after this point, which the research revealed. In doing so, the couple must have already gone through a decline in satisfaction beforehand. And that can last for years. But many couples consider this condition to be quite normal. Then comes the so-called terminal phase. This is the final stage. It’s followed by a very sharp fall.

Can the relationship be saved?

The key is to recognize early that something is wrong and to address the problem early. If the couple resolves their problems, then there is a really good chance of saving the relationship. Do you feel that things are not the same between you and your partner? Do you feel bad? Do you have expectations of your partner that are not being met? Do you have a different opinion about raising your children or spending your free time? Talk! Take care of yourself and your relationship. It’s the most important thing.