We all have to face, at some point in time, obstacles and challenges within our relationships. Knowing this, doesn't make it easier to deal with them when they arise. But it helps to plan how to handle them when those challenges occur.
If you know the relationship between you and your spouse is worth fighting for, then persevering will see you through. It might be between you and your stepkids too. You might be discouraged or feel there's no hope. If that's the case, I encourage you to get help.
Here are three tips to overcome your stepfamily's challenges and keep moving on.
- Tip 1: Communicate what you love and appreciate about each other. This helps build positive feelings and keeps your relationship strong. Remember that it's not about winning or losing. It's about the experience, so you may find that you both appreciate different things. For example, while one of you may love scenery and nature, the other may enjoy the entertainment and activities.
- Tip 2: Don't take things personally. Sometimes, we just have off days. If your partner says something that hurts your feelings, try not to react negatively. Instead, talk about it and try to understand why they said it. For example, maybe you're feeling stressed out because of work. Your partner might say, "You never talk to me anymore!" This could be a simple misunderstanding that can be resolved if you talk it out.
- Tip 3: Stay positive by sharing your dreams and plans for each other. Focusing on the future makes it easier to stay positive and happy in the present. Disagreements are bound to happen. It's normal to have differences of opinion especially with teenagers.
No one is perfect, and that goes for relationships, too. Even the most seemingly perfect relationships have their share of disagreements and low points.
What makes it all worth it in the end is knowing that the good times will outweigh the bad. So if you're in a rough patch with your partner or with your stepkids, don't give up – just remember that things will get better.
Tags
obstacles, stepfamilies, stepfamily challenges
The original content you just enjoyed is copyright protected by The Stepmom Coach—aka Claudette Chenevert—who proudly offers information, tips, products and other resources for building better relationships “one STEP at a time” via 1:1 coaching, self-guided coursework and more. Suitability is to be determined by individual users based on their own concerns and circumstances, as The Stepmom Coach does not endorse and is not liable for opinions expressed by third parties (i.e., advertisers, affiliates, audience members, clients).