A Not-so-classic Guide To Navigating Relationship Troubles

Let’s face it, not every relationship is perfect, and that’s okay. However, you should still strive to cultivate healthier relationships on personal and professional levels.

Just as every person and relationship is different, so are their troubles. Of course, following traditional relationship advice can help address these troubles. But on occasion, you’ll need more nuanced guidance on tackling trickier circumstances.

Let’s take a look at unique considerations to partner with basic relationship problem-solving tactics to consider before your next disagreement.

Tips for Navigating Personal Relationships

Acknowledging how varying relationship types exist within the personal category can assist you in solving each problem more thoroughly. There are six personal relationship types:

• Casual: A casual relationship is a consensual romantic relationship with an individual(s) with no commitment.
• Codependent: A codependent relationship is where one partner relies on the support of the other to get by.
• Platonic: A platonic relationship is a close casual friendship, but without romantic relations.
• Open: An open relationship is a relationship where both partners agree to have multiple romantic relationships with other people.
• Romantic: A romantic relationship involves feelings of love, physical attraction, and intimacy.
• Toxic: A toxic relationship is an unhealthy relationship where one or more partners harm the other emotionally, mentally, or physically.

Each relationship type listed has its own set of issues. While we can’t list every issue you could face that every person faces in their relationships, we can provide you with a few tips for navigating the most common issues.

Own Up to Your Wrong-doings

You must first acknowledge a crutch in the relationship exists before it can be removed. If this means owning up to a mistake (or a few) you’ve made over the past, so be it.

Doing so can open an opportunity to work through them together and move on. On the surface, this may sound simple, but it requires a little more thought. Let’s use an example to better address how doing so can be beneficial.

Say your spouse, friend, or partner allowed you to wear their family’s ring passed down through generations. However, in an unfortunate incident, you lost their ring for good.

While telling them about the situation seems — and is — terrifying, imagine how sad you’d feel if you were in their shoes. Remember to gracefully admit you’re wrong to prevent further (avoidable) altercations.

Contribute Solutions to Recurring Problems

Rather than ignoring a pattern, determine where the trend stems from to see if it can be stopped.

There are some notable signs that indicate a recurring problem may exist including, but not limited to:

• Repeating abuse of any kind;
• Constant blaming;
• Unnecessary and/or excessive use of sarcasm;
• Purposefully withholding information and/or not effectively communicating;

Even failing to remember, or forgetting important details about each other, could be a sign that something is wrong in your relationship that needs to be addressed right away. If these patterns continue to be ignored, your and your partner’s mental health could suffer.

Don’t Beat Around the Bush

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the popular saying, “don’t beat around the bush” as a way to “avoid talking about what is important.” The online dictionary proceeds to explain how it’s another phrase for asking someone to get to the point.

It’s also a phrase that could (and should) be applied to your daily mantra. You’re always encouraged to go after what you want in life — it’s no different in your relationships. You should establish your love languages to help determine what type of gratification you should seek from your personal relationships. From there, don’t hesitate to communicate to your partner what it is you desire.

Some folks envision a traditional wedding ring, while others prefer a more modern metal engagement ring, instead. It may seem like a minor detail to remember, but to your partner, it could make the difference as to whether or not to continue the relationship.

Tips for Navigating Professional Relationships

Just as there are various personal relationship types, there are multiple professional relationship types, as well. These are the relationships between you and a(n):

• Business partner;
• Client;
• Coworker;
• Direct reporter or manager;
• Mentor and/or mentee;
• Team member.

Maintaining healthy professional relationships is important because it can impact the overall success of the workplace. Most importantly, doing so can help you accomplish more minute tasks with confidence, ultimately improving your mental health.

Build a Support System In the Workplace

According to the American Psychological Association, having a healthy social support system can help balance stress. Having a support system in the workplace is important because it can help:

• Boost employee morale;
• Improve internal communications;
• Increase employee role satisfaction rates.

Ensure you build an in-office support system with individuals you can trust and who value your opinion, rather than tear you down.

Pick Your Battles

Workplace disagreements aren’t entirely avoidable. However, they can be delegated and managed. Knowing when, where, who, and how to manage a stressful situation comes in handy when tensions rise in the office.

Here are a few tips for choosing which workplace battles to engage in or walk away from:

• Agree to disagree;
• Ask your support system(s) for advice;
• Consider the facts;
• Develop a plan of action for overcoming the issue;
• Stand your ground firmly, yet kindly;
• When in doubt, go to human resources (HR).

Knowing when to pick your battles can be difficult. This is where the advice of HR professionals comes in handy. They’re able to guide you in the right direction to better yourself in the workplace.

While there’s no HR department in your personal life, this guide can be the employee handbook you need to navigate unique relationship troubles, both in the workplace and out.