The Problem Phases of Relationships and When to Seek Help

Fulfillment and support are two important benefits of maintaining a good romantic relationship. Still, all relationships come with challenges, though most partners agree that their romance is worth fighting for - especially those who believe finding a partner is their life purpose.

There are three main stages that all relationships typically go through:

Romance or Rejection - when couples start to fall in love and get to know each other. This is also a time when some partners hide things to avoid rejection.

Trust or Disillusionment - when couples start to share more resources, such as their space, which rarely comes without disagreements. At this stage, partners learn about each other's quirks and are pushed to build a strong, trusting bond to overcome conflicts.

Adjustment or Separation - some couples grow together, while others grow apart and separate (in a literal or emotional sense). Those who stay together learn to respect each other's unique needs, wishes, and differences.

As you go throughout these stages, here are a few signs of unhealthy or toxic relationships to look out for:

· When sexual needs and desires grow out of sync and go unmet, or you fail to make time for each other, it can lead to resentment.

· If you or your partner becomes jealous or controlling over dedicating time to family, friends, or hobbies.

· When you and your partner argue, you criticize your partner for who they are rather than their behavior, leading to defensiveness, stonewalling, manipulation, and other toxic behaviors.

In some cases, toxic can develop into abusive, whether emotional or physical, so it's important to seek help if you believe you are facing any of these conflicts.

A couple's counselor can help you by encouraging both you and your partner to work through your issues together and find solutions, so you can live happily ever after (or, for now, commit to working on your relationship moving forward).