If you've ever wondered if you and your partner have what it takes to make your relationship last, you're not alone. Even though ups and downs are a normal part of every relationship, being able to recognize the signs your relationship is worth fighting for can help you make it through the rough patches. Solid relationships can often be hard to come by, so if you know you've still got a strong foundation, weathering the storm might be the right decision.
According to prominent couples' therapist Dr. Gary Brown, encountering issues doesn't necessarily mean it's time to call it quits. "It's important to understand that even in the best of relationships, there are going to be hard times," Dr. Brown previously told Elite Daily. "Issues around the distribution of power, expressions of love or the lack of it, money, sex, social priorities, dealing with friends and family, as well as job and career issues impact just about all couples." We are all human, after all. But despite these issues, there are certain relationship elements that could mean the partnership still has strong potential. Here are some valid reasons to keep working on things, even if you encounter some bumps along the way.
"Trust is a key element in healthy relationships," relationship expert Dr. Robert Weiss (LCSW) wrote on Psychology Today. "If two people trust each other, if they know they have each other’s backs no matter what, that’s a solid foundation. In relationships of any kind, trust is worth a lot." So, if the trust between you and your partner is still strong, then this could definitely be good a reason to try and work things out.
No matter how much we'd all like to find someone who's perfect in every way, the reality is that most couples have some differences. The good news is that as long as most of your core values are in sync, those differences don't have to be dealbreakers, and can actually make you a stronger couple and your relationship more interesting.
"Two people are never going to agree on everything," wrote Dr. Weiss. "But if there is at least a little common ground regarding religion, politics, finances, education, and the like, there is a decent foundation upon which to build."
"The hallmark of a healthy relationship is one where the couple remains connected, despite external or internal stressors," NYC-based relationship expert and love coach Susan Winter previously told Elite Daily. "No matter how great the challenge at hand, both individuals commit to working it out, together. They look at each other as their teammate, their partner, their confidant, and their support system." If both you and your partner are willing to put in the necessary effort to resolve your issues, then this might indicate you're still on the same page.
"The best relationships involve separate people with separate identities, in which each person is free to think and act as he or she sees fit," explained Dr. Weiss. If your partner accepts you as you are, flaws and all, then that's a really beautiful thing. Maintaining a strong sense of self within a relationship means that you both have the freedom to be your best selves, while also enjoying the perks of operating as a unit.
Ultimately, the majority of long-term relationship will face some issues at one point or another. These conflicts, don't have to be the end of the relationship. When handled healthily, working through your issues can make your partnership even stronger. Before you decide to throw in the towel, taking the time to evaluate the positive things in your relationship could keep you from making a decision you might come to regret.
