10 Common Problems in Relationships and How to Fix Them

Even the strongest couples face common problems in relationships—yes, even the ones who seem to have it all together on Instagram. But here’s the thing: knowing common problems in relationships, why they happen, and how to fix them can make all the difference.

Maybe you’re reading this because you’re in the middle of a rough patch. Or maybe you’re just curious and want to be prepared for whatever curveballs love might throw your way. Either way, you’re in the right place. 

This isn’t about pointing fingers or playing the blame game. It’s about understanding the common problems in relationships—like communication breakdowns, trust issues, or that sneaky little thing called taking each other for granted—and learning how to work through them like a pro.

So, whether you’re here to solve a specific problem or just want to level up your relationship game, this article is for you. We’re breaking down the 10 most common problems in relationships, digging into the root causes, and giving you practical, no-BS solutions to help you and your partner thrive. 

How to Fix 10 Common Problems in Relationships

We’ve all heard that relationships take work, but what does that actually mean? It means tackling the common problems in relationships head-on, understanding why they happen, and learning how to fix them like a boss. 

Whether you’re dealing with money drama, trust issues, or just feeling like you’re on different wavelengths, we’ve got you covered.

1. Money: Spending, Earning, Saving, and Giving

Money fights are like the Olympics of relationship problems—they’re intense, emotional, and can leave everyone feeling drained. The root cause? Usually, it’s about different values or priorities. 

Maybe one of you is a saver, and the other is a spender. Or maybe you’re stressed about bills and feel like your partner isn’t pulling their weight. This problem often shows up as arguments over budgets, secret spending, or resentment about who’s contributing more.

How to Fix It: Start by having an honest, no-judgment conversation about money. Like, sit down, grab a coffee, and just talk. Create a budget together that works for both of you. If one person earns more, maybe they cover a bigger chunk of the bills, but make sure it feels fair. 

And if you’re sharing accounts, set some ground rules—like no big purchases without checking in first. Pro tip: Apps can help you track spending and stay on the same page.

2. Inflexibility: Failing to Adapt to Life’s Curveballs

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Like, at all. Job loss, illness, or losing a loved one can hit hard, and if one or both of you struggle to adapt, it can strain the relationship. Inflexibility often shows up as resistance to change, blaming each other for problems, or just feeling stuck in a rut.

How to Fix It: First, acknowledge that life is messy, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. Practice empathy—put yourself in your partner’s shoes and try to understand their perspective. When big changes happen, work together to come up with a game plan. 

For example, if one of you loses a job, brainstorm ways to cut back on expenses or explore new opportunities as a team. Flexibility is key, so remind each other that you’re in it together, no matter what.

3. Parenting: Different Styles, Hidden Struggles

If you’re raising kids together, conflicting parenting styles can feel like a never-ending battle. Maybe one of you is strict, and the other is more laid-back. 

Or maybe you’re both so overwhelmed that you’re not communicating about the challenges you’re facing. This problem often shows up as arguments over discipline, feeling unsupported, or hiding how hard parenting really is.

How to Fix It: Start by getting on the same page about your parenting goals. What values do you want to instill in your kids? What rules are non-negotiable? Then, create a united front—even if you don’t agree 100%, present a consistent approach to your kids. 

And don’t forget to check in with each other. A simple “How are you holding up?” can go a long way. If things feel overwhelming, consider couples counseling or parenting classes to help you navigate the chaos.

4. Trust: Lies, Infidelity, and Broken Promises

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and when it’s broken, it can feel like the whole thing is falling apart. Whether it’s a little white lie or full-blown infidelity, trust issues often show up as jealousy, constant questioning, or feeling like you’re walking on eggshells.

How to Fix It: Rebuilding trust takes time, but it starts with honesty. If you’re the one who messed up, own it—no excuses. If you’re the one who was hurt, communicate how you’re feeling without attacking. 

Set clear boundaries moving forward, like cutting off contact with someone who caused the issue or being more transparent about your actions. And if you’re both committed to fixing things, consider therapy to help you work through the pain and rebuild that connection.

5. Meeting Expectations: When Promises Fall Short

We’ve all been there—you had this picture-perfect vision of how your relationship would be, and reality just isn’t matching up. Maybe your partner promised to be more romantic, or you thought you’d be further along in life by now. 

This problem often shows up as disappointment, resentment, or feeling like you’re settling for less than you deserve.

How to Fix It: First, let’s get real: no one’s perfect, and life doesn’t always go as planned. Talk openly about your expectations and where they’re coming from. Are they realistic? Are they fair? Then, focus on what you can control. 

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, set small, achievable goals together—like planning a date night once a month or saving up for a trip. And remember, it’s okay to adjust your expectations as life changes. Flexibility is key to keeping those common problems in relationships from blowing up.

6. Emotional Disconnect: When You’re Not on the Same Wavelength

Ever feel like you’re talking to a brick wall? Emotional disconnect happens when one or both partners stop tuning into each other’s feelings. It’s like you’re living parallel lives instead of sharing one. 

In this case, you’re feeling ignored, unappreciated, or just plain lonely—even when you’re sitting right next to each other.

How to Fix It: Start by checking in with each other daily. Like, actually ask, “How are you really feeling?” and listen without jumping to solutions. Practice empathy—try to see things from their perspective, even if you don’t fully get it. 

And don’t underestimate the power of small gestures. A hug, a kind word, or even a random “I’m proud of you” can go a long way in rebuilding that emotional connection. If things feel really off, consider couples therapy to help you reconnect.

7. Changing Priorities: When Your Paths Start to Diverge

Life changes, and so do people. Maybe one of you wants to travel the world while the other is ready to settle down. Or maybe you’re all about career goals, and your partner is more focused on family. 

There are arguments about the future, feeling misunderstood, or worrying that you’re growing apart.

How to Fix It: First, take a deep breath. It’s normal for priorities to shift over time. The key is to communicate openly and honestly about where you’re at and where you want to go. Find common ground—maybe you can’t travel the world right now, but you can plan a weekend getaway. 

Or if one of you is career-focused, set aside dedicated time for family or couple activities. Compromise doesn’t mean giving up your dreams; it means finding a way to make them work together.

8. Maintaining Effort: Keeping the Spark Alive

Remember when you first started dating, and everything felt magical? Yeah, life has a way of turning that magic into routine. All of a sudden, it’s boredom, taking each other for granted, or feeling like the romance is gone.

How to Fix It: Newsflash: relationships take effort, and that’s okay. Start by bringing back the little things—like leaving a sweet note, surprising them with their favorite snack, or just saying “I love you” for no reason. 

Plan regular date nights, even if it’s just ordering takeout and watching a movie at home. And don’t forget to flirt! Send a playful text or remind them why they fell for you in the first place. Keeping the spark alive isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up every day and choosing each other.

9. Resolving Conflict: Actually Fixing Issues Without the Drama

Conflict is part of every relationship. But here’s the kicker: it’s not about avoiding arguments; it’s about how you handle them. One of the common problems in relationships is when fights drag on, or worse, when old issues keep resurfacing months or even years later. 

It becomes hard to ignore the constant bickering, passive-aggressive comments, or just feeling like you’re stuck in a loop of the same old arguments.

How to Fix It: First, drop the “I’m right, you’re wrong” mindset. Conflict isn’t about winning; it’s about understanding. When an issue comes up, address it in the moment instead of letting it simmer. Use “I” statements like, “I feel hurt when…” instead of blaming. 

And here’s the big one: once it’s resolved, let it go. Don’t bring it up in future fights as ammo. If you’re struggling to communicate, try writing down your thoughts first or even setting a timer to take turns talking without interrupting. The goal? Fix, forgive, and move forward.

10. Relationships with Others: Navigating In-Laws, Friends, and Coworkers

Your partner isn’t the only person in your life, and let’s be honest—other people can sometimes cause major tension. 

Whether it’s a nosy mother-in-law, a clingy friend, or a coworker who’s a little too friendly, these outside relationships can create drama. This problem often shows up as jealousy, feeling caught in the middle, or arguing about boundaries.

How to Fix It: Start by setting clear boundaries together. Like, if your mom is always dropping by unannounced, agree on a polite way to ask her to call first. If a friend is taking up too much of your time, make sure your partner knows they’re still your priority. 

And when it comes to coworkers or exes, transparency is key. If something feels off, talk about it calmly instead of jumping to conclusions. Remember, you’re a team, and it’s about supporting each other while keeping those outside relationships in check.

Love Isn’t Perfect, But It’s Worth It

So, there you have it—10 common problems in relationships and how to tackle them like a pro. Let’s be real: no relationship is all sunshine and rainbows. There will be bumps, misunderstandings, and moments where you’re like, “What even is happening right now?” But every couple goes through this stuff. So, take a deep breath, grab your partner’s hand, and keep moving forward.