How to Preserve a Relationship
It happens that the very best of relationships sometimes become more distant. In this distance, what you notice is the lack of cooperation on important subjects due to one or both sides feeling hurt or misunderstood. And of course, where one side is affected, the other would be too in its own way. And when one or two sides have been affected, you create a rippling effect of more negative experiences to more parties as they also take part in the lack of shared happiness. In such cases with lack of cooperation, it is strongly advised to seek urgent help from a professional who has a genuine interest in building healthy relationships. There is always something deeper which is not being addressed, even if it seems quite minor to someone else. Everyone has their own truth and it is important for each side to feel equally heard. Here it can be mentioned, that negative emotions which cannot be appropriately expressed with words due to lack of mutual communication, can become stored inside the body’s cells. This experience is a type of trauma and so the person would require a healthy form of therapy. A professional can additionally guide them to understand more analytically how the patient is making connections and what causes an imbalanced thinking.
Reasons you should both find a way to work on the relationship:
A relationship which turns negative is going to have an impact on your mental health. If not immediately, over time it could lead to feelings of loss, grief and frustrations. No amount of therapy and affirmations are ever going to completely repair the loss, only mutual understanding and finding the right values is going to help foster a mutual bond. Issues with relationships is potentially the biggest concern which increases the likelihood of developing problems with memory later in life. It just happens to be that we are created to live with a happy mindset. However, if you have been experiencing emotionally damaging exchanges of communication, it is best to work with a therapist while seeking mutual support from a counsellor or a mediator.
Solutions to overcome a blockage in relationships:
Work on a strategic and empathetic approach. In the event where one party has shown signs of aggressiveness, they are advised to attend therapy sessions to understand the deeper issues they are dealing with. This would help greatly to work on their personal trigger points, to remove any energy blockages which prevent them from communicating their messages with authenticity.
Set your personal feelings aside and look at the problem as someone who has not been involved.
Establish open lines of communication. Set aside dedicated time for honest conversations where both parties can express their feelings without interruption or judgment. Work on the pause method as an effective way of leaving space for thought in between both parties. Active listening is crucial, it demonstrates respect and validates the other person’s emotions.
Identify specific issues contributing to the strain and collaboratively develop realistic solutions while acknowledging each other's perspectives. Implement regular check-ins to assess progress and reinforce commitment to change.
Engage in shared activities which do not signify competitive skills. This helps to rekindle connection and foster positive interactions.
Finding mutual grounds for understanding and small things which you like in each other might require some external support at first, but it is worth the effort as you build up once again a positive connection.
Consider seeking external support if needed—such as counselling or mediation—to gain professional insights that facilitate recovery. By prioritising understanding, accountability, and mutual growth, individuals can effectively navigate through challenges and restore trust, ultimately revitalising the relationship.
Establish some basic mutual boundaries which would help you start to rebuild a healthier connection.
Ultimately, patience is crucial, as rebuilding trust takes time and consistent effort on both sides to cultivate emotional resilience and foster mutual support in the healing process. Remember that any relationship can suffer from neglect, lack of communication or when respecting the other person and their moral views are out of line.
Remain respectful of the other person’s space and aim to not interfere too closely with their own work. What you are concerned about is the negotiation process of what you are sharing and how you can collaborate or resonate with them. In the event where trust has been broken, speak out your truth and remain calm. Sending aggressive messages is not a good sign. Seek to find mutually beneficial solutions which bring something positive to all affected parties. Consider the wellbeing of those who are most likely to suffer in the process, such as children, relatives or friends. You do not have to simply act to please someone so you can stand your ground, but you can be kind with yourself and with others and still solve the issue at hand.
Additional notes:
Turning around a worsening relationship that has been impacted by trauma-based responses requires a multifaceted, empathetic approach. First, it is essential to establish a safe and supportive environment where both parties feel heard and validated. This may involve setting aside dedicated time for open dialogue about feelings and experiences. Active listening techniques should be employed to ensure that each side feels understood without judgment. Incorporating trauma-informed communication strategies can mitigate misunderstandings, allowing individuals to express their needs without triggering defensive reactions. Both partners may benefit from professional guidance, such as therapy or counseling, which can foster deeper emotional healing and provide tools to navigate discussions effectively. Additionally, practicing self-regulation techniques like mindfulness can help reduce anxiety during interactions.