Photo: Ron Lach

Can breaking up strengthen a relationship?

Although ending a relationship can be painful, a separation can give a couple space to work on personal issues that have been harming the relationship. 'It can help individuals reassess their priorities, helping them to know more about what they would like to get out of a relationship,' says Fredrickson.

psychologies.co.uk - Could breaking up help your relationship? - Psychologies

What makes relationship dull?

Ignoring feelings, not spending time together, and neglecting each other's needs are bound to contribute to feelings of boredom. You don't make an...

Last updated May 3, 2018

Is it normal for couples to not talk for days?

Sometimes, one or both partners are busy or tired or just don't feel like talking, and that's completely OK. A healthy, long-term relationship will...

Last updated Feb 14, 2020

Promotion

My boyfriend and I had been having problems for a few months and at the beginning of last November, we decided to break it off. But by the end of January, we were engaged and, dare I say it, happier than ever. Conventional wisdom says that getting back together with an ex is something that should be approached with caution. Studies tend to show that couples who break up and get back together often end up parting permanently, or are less satisfied in their relationship overall. But as with every good rule, there are exceptions – and in some cases a split can actually be the thing that revives a flagging relationship. ‘A break-up is not diagnostic of future failure,’ says Dr Barbara Fredrickson, author of Love 2.o (Hudson Street Press, £18.99) ‘Couples break up for all kinds of reasons.’ Although ending a relationship can be painful, a separation can give a couple space to work on personal issues that have been harming the relationship. ‘It can help individuals reassess their priorities, helping them to know more about what they would like to get out of a relationship,’ says Fredrickson. ‘Good relationships are based on a foundation of micro-moments of shared positive resonance, that energising feeling you get when you really connect and click with your partner. If these are in short supply, then a couple might need to rethink the things they do together.’ Getting back together with an ex shouldn’t be taken lightly. If time apart has given both parties a new perspective on their relationship, it’s important that this is discussed openly in order to effect change for the future, and it may be worth considering counselling to give your second attempt a better chance of success. ‘Just getting back together and saying “we are going to try harder” without a specific plan probably won’t work any better than it did previously,’ says Dr Sophie Slade, Imago relationship therapist.

Here, she suggests five ways to get your relationship back on track:

Get curious – curious about yourself, curious about your partner and curious about what led to your break-up. Try to replace all the criticism in your relationship with curiosity. – curious about yourself, curious about your partner and curious about what led to your break-up. Try to replace all the criticism in your relationship with curiosity. Take a long, hard look at your own contribution to the break-up – what were you doing that contributed to the pain in the relationship? Blaming your partner won’t get you anywhere. You can only change yourself.

Is physical touch important in a relationship?

Touch often plays a crucial role in maintaining connection within interpersonal relationships. Touch is essential because of the ways it...

Last updated Jun 14, 2022

Can a relationship go back to normal after cheating?

Experts say it's possible for couples to go on to have a happy relationship after infidelity, provided they're willing to put in the work. “The...

Last updated Feb 11, 2020

Promotion

– what were you doing that contributed to the pain in the relationship? Blaming your partner won’t get you anywhere. You can only change yourself. See your relationship as an opportunity for your growth. What part of you do you need to grow to create the relationship differently and meet your partner’s needs? And how can you ask your partner to grow to meet your needs in ways he or she can hear and doesn’t have to defend against?

What part of you do you need to grow to create the relationship differently and meet your partner’s needs? And how can you ask your partner to grow to meet your needs in ways he or she can hear and doesn’t have to defend against? Create a vision of the relationship that you both want to have and then work out what you each need to contribute to create that kind of relationship. and then work out what you each need to contribute to create that kind of relationship. Create some rituals of loving behaviour and expressions of appreciation for each other regularly: for example, expressing at least one thing you appreciate them doing for you each day at a specific time. Do you want to improve and save your relationship? Our new Life Labs Practical Wisdom online course entitled 'How to Save Your Relationship' gives you the tools and insights to singlehandedly change your relationship for the better. Find out more about how the online course could help you here, and sign up below to receive a free three-day trial, special limited launch price and more free articles and videos on how to save your relationship.

psychologies.co.uk - Could breaking up help your relationship? - Psychologies

What are the 5 green flags?

5 Relationship Green Flags You feel good when you talk to them. ... Your communication is healthy and effective. ... Both you and your partner...

Last updated Apr 6, 2022

How do you know she's giving up?

7 Easy-To-Miss Signs Your Partner May Be Giving Up On The Relationship They Spend More Time Alone Than Before. ... They Become Evasive When You Ask...

Last updated May 30, 2018

Promotion

What is the number 1 rule in a relationship?

Respect Each Other The first rule to keeping a strong, romantic relationship is to treat your loved one with respect. You have to respect your...

Last updated Jul 21, 2022

Promotion

When he wants you to chase him?

He is playful with you Teasing is one of the subtle signs of a man who wants you to chase him. Through flirting and mind games a guy gives you...

Last updated Oct 1, 2018