Every couple eventually hits a few bumps on the road. Yes, you may be in love, and it may apparently be all rainbows and unicorns until you face the harsh realities of life. These are the points where you are held responsible, and your love is tested.
If this seems relatable, you have landed on the right page. Our blog outlines 6 common challenges couples usually face and quick tips on what you can do to overcome them. Let’s begin!
- Communication Breakdowns
Communication gaps are the core reason many relationships start falling apart. In fact, unhealthy communication patterns are also the reason why some people don’t seem to get out of these breakdowns.
Let’s say you faced a problematic behavior from your spouse. Instead of asking them politely to talk over it, you respond with a higher level of anger and sarcasm. This, in turn, causes more anguish on the other side, and the cycle never stops.
We strongly suggest that you seek counselling at this point. Given the increasing awareness these days, more people are realizing the importance of such sessions. Look for those in your area. For instance, find out all about couples therapy in Lake Mary if you’re a resident there and want a professional to assist in navigating your relationship.
- Lack of Intimacy
When intimacy fades in a marriage, it rarely disappears overnight. It shows up quietly as fewer touches, longer silences, or two people wanting different things but not saying them out loud. When lives get busy, intimacy is the first thing to be pushed aside.
A strong marriage needs more than love. It needs intention. Making space for both emotional and physical connection is essential for a relationship to work. The first step in it is conversation. Talk openly about what you want, what you miss, and what feels off.
Sharing these physical needs may feel uncomfortable, but it is not selfish. It is an act of honesty. And honesty, when offered with care, is one of the most powerful ways to bring two people closer together.
- Technology Taking Over Together Time
Screens are everywhere, and while they make life easier, too much screen time can quietly hurt a marriage. When phones, TVs, or social media get more attention than your partner, it can leave one or both people feeling ignored. Even being in the same room does not help if both partners are lost in their own screens.
This often shows up in small, everyday moments, such as:
- Scrolling on phones instead of talking
- Watching TV without interacting
- Checking social media during meals
- Being distracted during conversations
Such habits can create emotional distance. One partner may start to feel unseen, and intimacy slowly fades.
The tip here is to set clear limits around screen use so you can truly be present with each other. Create tech-free times, like during meals or before bed, or designate certain areas of the home as screen-free. Small changes like these can help couples rebuild emotional closeness.
- Personal Space Starts to Disappear
Marriage does not mean losing yourself. Two people can share a life and remain themselves. Problems begin when one partner starts crossing lines, making decisions for the other, or trying to control choices like clothing, spending, or daily routines.
No one enjoys being managed or corrected. A healthy marriage is built on mutual respect and the desire to support each other, not reshape one another. When boundaries are ignored, trust slowly weakens. Giving each other room to grow, think, and express individuality keeps the relationship balanced and respectful.
In fact, almost 90% of people in relationships agree that having personal space for each partner is important. Also, more than six in ten couples report that at least one partner has a personal retreat area at home to recharge and be themselves.
Tip: If marriage starts to feel like you are fading into the background, pay attention. These feelings matter the most. Make space for your own interests and alone time, and talk openly with your partner about what boundaries you need to feel secure and respected.
- One Person Carries the Whole Load
When household chores are not shared fairly, frustration can start to build. If one partner feels they are doing most of the cooking, cleaning, or childcare, it can feel like too much to handle alone.
Over time, this imbalance leaves people tired and emotionally drained.
For example, when one partner works long hours and expects the other to manage the entire home without talking it through, resentment slowly creeps in. Marriage is not a one-person show. It works best when both partners roll up their sleeves and contribute in ways that feel fair.
Tip: Talk openly about who does what at home. Write down daily and weekly tasks and divide them in a way that fits both schedules. Rotating chores or using a simple chore list can keep things balanced and stop small issues from turning into big ones.
- Money Matters
Money can quietly put a heavy strain on a relationship. When financial roles are unclear or uneven, one partner may feel pressured to keep everything afloat while the other feels excluded or misunderstood. This kind of stress adds up fast. Around 31% of couples say money is a major source of conflict in their relationship, which shows just how common this challenge is.
Financial pressure often comes from everyday issues like:
- Unequal contribution to bills or savings
- Different spending habits
- Debt or unexpected expenses
- Avoiding honest conversations about money
As time passes, these issues can affect more than just finances. When couples don’t talk openly about money, the stress tends to spill into other areas of the marriage. This can make small problems feel much bigger than they are.
Conclusion
Every relationship comes with love and flaws. Struggles do not mean your marriage is failing or that you are incompatible. They simply mean your connection needs care and attention.
It can be hard to fix things when your trust has been shattered. This is where professional support, such as a marriage counsellor or therapist, can make a real difference. Having a neutral third person helps couples understand each other better and find healthier ways to reconnect!