The Naked Truth | How to prevent a break-up and rebuild a relationship that’s stagnant or in trouble
- Break-up season – the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day – is coming and it’s a dangerous time for relationships that are on the rocks
- Couples running on ‘autopilot’ need to understand that what their partner needs to feel loved may not be the same as it was in the past
We are apparently approaching the annual break-up season, which falls in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. But whether you believe in this cruel trend or not, it appears to have reasonable grounds for its yearly appearance.
Break-ups tend to spike right before big events that involve gatherings, such as meeting each other’s families and friends. This kind of pressure tends to trigger the question of commitment and doubts, especially for those who have relationship anxiety or if one’s partnership is already on shaky ground.
But you can still buck the trend by learning how to safeguard your relationship. Small changes such as focusing on doing positive things to reinforce it and fixing problems before it is too late can breathe life back into a stagnant or troubled partnership.
Contrary to how some couples behave, relationships don’t run on autopilot once you press the right buttons, says Sonia Samtani, a clinical hypnotherapist, life coach, and relationship and wellness coach. “Relationships need constant focus, attention and action to maintain functionality, and even more so to restore after breakdowns.”
To hold on to your relationship, the most important thing to do is communicate, she says. “Issues arise because of a lack of open and honest communication, when people either suppress their feelings, cover them up, or pretend that they are feeling something else.”