Study shows 18% of married or cohabiting couples are in distressed relationships Research, published by Relate shows almost one in five married or cohabiting couples are in distressed relationships: that’s 2.87 million people across the UK*. A distressed relationship is defined as a relationship where issues and disagreements are severe leading to clinically significant negative… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Communication
My wife’s medical condition has been pushing us apart for years
I have been with my wife for close to 30 years. She has misophonia (a disorder where negative emotions like anger or disgust are triggered by specific sounds). After our latest child was born, it got worse. She cannot stand my breathing, the change of rhythm of my breathing, or me touching my face. If… Read more »
How to decide whose family to spend Christmas with
It’s amazing how the simple question of who to spend Christmas with torments so many of us year on year. Our 2014 research report The Way We Are Now found that 90 per cent of people would like to spend Christmas with immediate family with only 54 per cent thinking that including extended family members… Read more »
How to stop arguments spinning out of control: using time outs
Have you noticed that arguments with your partner often blow up before getting resolved? Do disagreements easily pass the point of no return? Do you sometimes both say things you’ll regret later before one of you storms out? Are issues only ironed out after an apology? Many couples bring this destructive pattern of conflict to… Read more »
How do I tell my grown-up children I’m getting a divorce?
Our youngest son (18) recently left home to move to another city. Things haven’t been good between me and my husband for a while (i.e. five years or more), but having time to talk about things properly has made it clear neither of our hearts are really in this anymore and we’ve decided to separate… Read more »
10 tips for a happy relationship
1. Talk constructively How you say things is as important as what you’re saying. If you and your partner are having a disagreement, don’t just attack them or go all-out criticising. Why not try using ‘I’ statements? By saying ‘I feel’ rather than ‘You always…’ you’re taking responsibility for your emotions and your partner won’t… Read more »
Me and my partner have really different attitudes towards parenting
It can be really worrying when you and your partner have different attitudes towards parenting. We often imagine that the person who’s right for us will have similar opinions on big stuff like this, so if they don’t it can feel like a bad sign. Ideas about parenting in particular can be a surprise as… Read more »
Everything my partner does irritates me
Finding everything your partner does irritating can be stressful, worrying and frustrating. It can make you feel like your relationship is a burden instead of a positive thing in your life. Once you get to the point where you no can no longer enjoy your partner’s company, solving any existing relationship issues becomes much more… Read more »
Teaching creeps up on you
Teaching creeps up on you and lifts time from your back pocket without you noticing Our latest survey of the nation’s relationships The Way We Are Now 2015 reveals 22% of people work longer hours than they choose and it’s damaging their health. It also reveals that 94% of relationship practitioners agree that being unhappy… Read more »
How to cope with loneliness
How to cope with loneliness Our new survey of the nation’s relationships The Way We Are Now 2015 reveals that one in ten of us has no close friends – the same finding from our report last year. Being lonely affects you in lots of ways. It can reduce your confidence, make you feel less… Read more »