Relationships, contrary to conventional wisdom, aren’t always bunny rabbits and rainbows as much as we’d like them to be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that the majority of the time you’re head over heels in love with your significant other but life has a funny way of throwing a spanner or twelve in the works to really test you.
It’s times like these that we find ourselves in the horns of a dilemma and because we’re so emotionally involved with the relationship and the overall situation, we find it extremely difficult to be objective and make the best decisions. When it comes to the point in a relationship – and it will happen to everyone – we often try and find advice that will help us make these decisions. However, I hear all too often that people don’t really know what to do or where to go to get that all important advice.
So, with this in mind, I’ve made a few simple suggestions. There will certainly be something to suit everyone there, and hopefully, it’ll help a few couples along the way to get over the inevitable hurdles they’ll face.
Talk To Friends and Family
Okay, this is a tough one, but there is definitely something to it. If you’re seeking advice from friends and family, I have a few thoughts on this. They will always look out for your best interests, which is positive and chances are, they may have been through something similar so can relate. However, a lot of friends and family seem to think that they know best and always have an opinion, and sometimes it’s not the right one. Rather than seeking black and white advice from your Mum or your friend, maybe just ask them to listen to your problems, and the very process of you saying it all out loud will certainly give you more clarity.
Use Social Media
If you’re looking for opinions or advice or wondering if anyone else has been in the same situation as you have, we have the luxury of being connected to literally millions of people online via platforms like Twitter. By sending a simple tweet, you may find yourself with hundreds of responses stating that they’re in the same boat, or they agree, if you get my drift. I’m not saying that this is the most effective way to get relationship advice, but it’s a great way to find out more about your situation and perhaps what others might do.
Listen To Podcasts
Believe you me when I say that listening and learning can help you a whole lot when you’re trying to figure out your relationship. There are some amazing podcasts out there, like Orion’s Method, that offer loads of great advice for just this. Instead of listening to music or watching the TV, perhaps next time to listen to a podcast? It might just take someone else saying something out loud for the penny to drop.
Seek Counselling
Counselling certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it can definitely be an effective way to make or break your relationship for the right reasons. Having an impartial, objective person listen to your problems, or even you AND your partner’s problems, can help put things into real perspective, making seemingly grey issues much clearer. There are lots of local, reputable counselling services available, so just be sure to read reviews of said services before you book. It’s 100% worth a shot though.
Trust Your Gut
To some, this may seem like an unhelpful suggestion but here me out before you switch off my site and start browsing New Look’s winter collection again. In relationships – even in life – we inherently recognise the difference between right and wrong. We know what’s good, and what’s not. We know when we’re happy, and when we’re sad, and the majority of the time, we can pinpoint why. If you’re having relationship problems or concerns, you can – for the most part – trust your gut instinct and act on it. It’s the acting on it that’s the hard part.
I really hope that’s helped a little and perhaps given you some options should you ever need to seek advice. Remember that at times, things aren’t always as bad as they might seem. Perhaps you just need to get stuff off your chest, or maybe even put a little more work into your relationship, either way, seeking advice is never a bad thing. In fact, it’ll probably do you (and your relationship) all the good in the world – for better or worse.
P.S. I forgot to add myself into the list. I’m always happy to lend an ear!
