A lot has been written about why people fall in love. It’s the first question I ask couples that come to see me. Sometimes it’s simple: “We’re good friends and it felt right to move to the next stage”. For some it’s a physical attraction or finding someone they can talk to about anything. For… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Marriage
Advice & Tips For Your Relationships During Coronavirus
Impact on relationships: The coronavirus outbreak is leading to big changes in the way we live our everyday lives. Our relationships will be hugely important for getting us through self-isolation, social distancing and other concerns may also place them under added pressure. Our counsellors have put together some tips for looking after your relationships with… Read more »
Are you having doubts?
Doubts about getting married are fairly common. You may be worrying that you and your partner aren’t compatible enough. Perhaps there are parts of your relationship that don’t work so well – and you think they could become more of a problem further down the line. Maybe you’ve got the feeling there could be someone… Read more »
Blame can be toxic
When you’re on the receiving end of blame it can be exhausting, exasperating and painful. It can make you feel tiny: like nothing you do is good enough or ever will be. It can break down your sense of trust in your partner and replace it with a growing sense of resentment and anger. And,… Read more »
Forgiveness: it’s the hardest thing to do
Forgiving your partner if they’ve done something to upset you can be one of the hardest things to do in a relationship. When you’re feeling disappointed, angry or betrayed, the idea of forgiving someone can feel a little bit like giving in – as if, by letting go of your resentment, you’re allowing them to… Read more »
How to argue less
Arguments are common in all kinds of relationships. Some degree of conflict can even be healthy, as it means both people are expressing themselves, rather than keeping everything inside and letting emotions fester. But if you’re arguing all the time, or simple disagreements end up in a hostile silence or screaming match, it can really… Read more »
When talking is tough
Talking things over together in a relationship can be tricky – particularly if you haven’t been talking properly for a while, or you feel hurt or angry with your partner. However, if you do feel able to give it a go, these tips may be useful: Keep things relaxed. Hearing the words ‘we need to talk’… Read more »
Should we break up now? Or risk further heartache down the line?
Relate frequently responds to letters from people about their relationships – and a few are published on our national website to help others who may be going through similar experiences. We ensure letter-writers cannot be identified. Here’s one such letter from someone whose partner has asked him: ‘Should we remain in our relationship?’ He writes:… Read more »
Anyone for sex every day for a year?
The media frequently contact Relate for comments and advice. Sometimes the stories they impart are a touch sensational and the advice is added on as an afterthought. So, when you’re asked to comment on a piece headed ‘Sex every day for a year’ you start to question whether you should get involved. But when one… Read more »
Coping with the highs and lows of a rollercoaster relationship
When your relationship is an ‘emotional rollercoaster’, it tends to have lots of highs and lows – often in rapid succession. One day you’re arguing intensely, the next you’re feeling really happy and close. You may find it hard to predict what things are going to be like on any given day, or when they… Read more »