If your partner stands by you when you’re at your worst, you know they’re a keeper. If they stand by your side through thick and thin, they’re more than likely the one.
But let’s be honest, relationships are not always rainbows and butterflies. They’re complex, they’re testing and they require a lot of work.
Some couples, though, have a knack for overcoming hurdles together. They face challenges head-on and come out stronger every time. I bet they’ve faced these 8 specific challenges.
In this piece, we’re going to delve into the trials that, if weathered together as a couple, can forge an unbreakable bond. A bond that can stand the test of time – and life.
1) Navigating the stormy seas of financial stress together
Finance is as unpredictable as the weather.
One moment, your bank account is basking in the summer sun, and the next, a winter storm is blowing through your savings. From unexpected bills to job losses, financial stress can hit you like a hurricane when you least expect it.
Yet, couples who manage to weather these storms together often come out stronger on the other side. They learn to lean on each other during hard times, share responsibilities, and make tough decisions together. It’s a real test of teamwork and trust.
Overcoming financial stress as a unit teaches you not only to survive together but also to thrive together. It shows that your partnership can withstand one of life’s most challenging aspects.
Remember, it’s not just about surviving the storm – it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.
2) Surviving the trials of long-distance love
Long-distance relationships are like marathons, not sprints.
I remember when my partner and I had to live apart for a year because of work commitments. Those 12 months felt like an eternity. We were in different time zones, juggling work schedules to squeeze in Skype calls, and missing each other terribly.
At first, it was tough. The distance felt like a chasm that was impossible to bridge. But as time went by, we learned to adapt. We found ways to make our relationship work despite the miles separating us.
We discovered the beauty in love letters – yes, old fashioned letters. We created new rituals like watching the same movie at the same time while on a video call. We learned to communicate better because that’s all we had – words.
In retrospect, that year apart made us stronger as a couple. We proved to ourselves that our love could withstand the test of distance and time.
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If your relationship has survived the trials of long-distance love, then there’s a strong chance you are with someone you could be with for life. It shows you’ve developed trust, patience, and communication skills – all keys to a lasting relationship.
3) Embracing each other’s individual growth
Growth is a part of life. We are all constantly evolving, learning, and changing, and this doesn’t stop once you’re in a relationship.
Here’s something to ponder: Studies show that one of the leading causes of break-ups is feeling stifled or not having room to grow.
Couples who have overcome the challenge of individual growth know the importance of supporting each other’s personal journeys.
They understand that being in a relationship doesn’t mean losing their individual identities or ambitions. Instead, they learn to grow together while still growing individually.
They celebrate each other’s achievements, encourage each other’s dreams, and even help each other overcome personal fears and insecurities.
4) Handling the pressures of parenthood
Becoming parents is one of the biggest changes a couple can go through.
Suddenly, it’s not just about the two of you anymore. You have a little one who depends on you for everything. Sleepless nights, diaper changes, feeding times, tantrums – parenthood is a 24/7 job that doesn’t come with an instruction manual.
But amidst all the chaos and demands of parenting, if you’ve managed to work as a team, support each other, and find moments of joy and love, then you’ve overcome a significant challenge.
This doesn’t mean that every day is perfect or that you don’t feel overwhelmed at times. It simply means that despite the pressures and changes that come with parenthood, your bond remains strong.
If you and your partner have navigated the world of parenthood together while keeping your relationship strong, then there’s a good chance you’re in it for the long haul.
5) Recovering from a major argument or disagreement
Arguments are inevitable in any relationship. In my experience, it’s not the disagreements themselves that define your relationship, but how you handle them.
I remember one particular argument that my partner and I had early on in our relationship. It was about something trivial, but the disagreement escalated and soon we were both saying things we didn’t mean.
Afterwards, I felt terrible. But instead of letting the disagreement fester, we decided to talk it out. We listened to each other’s perspectives and apologized for the hurtful things we said.
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That argument was a wake-up call for us. We realized that we needed to work on our communication skills and learn to fight fair. We made a pact to never go to bed angry and always give each other the chance to speak and be heard.
It was a tough lesson to learn, but it made us stronger as a couple. If you’ve had a major disagreement with your partner and managed to come back from it stronger than before, you’ve overcome a significant challenge in your relationship.
6) Spending too much time together
Yes, you read that right. While we often hear about the struggles of being apart, spending too much time together can be an equally challenging hurdle for couples.
Being with your partner 24/7 can blur the boundaries between personal space and shared space. It can lead to a feeling of being smothered and the loss of your individual identity.
Couples who have navigated this challenge have learned the art of balance. They understand the importance of spending quality time together while also respecting each other’s need for personal space and alone time.
If you’ve found this balance in your relationship, then you’ve overcome an important challenge that often gets overlooked. It’s a testament to your respect for each other’s individuality and an indicator of a healthy, long-lasting relationship.
7) Dealing with a life-altering event
Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, it throws curveballs at us that change our lives forever.
These could be anything from a serious illness, a sudden job loss, to the loss of a loved one. These life-altering events can shake the very foundation of your relationship.
However, if you’ve weathered such a storm together, picked up the pieces, and rebuilt your lives with each other’s help, then you’ve overcome one of the most challenging tests a couple can face.
In the face of adversity, you’ve shown resilience, strength, and unwavering support for each other. This bodes well for the longevity of your relationship.
It shows that you can depend on each other in times of crisis and that your bond is strong enough to withstand life’s toughest trials.
8) Accepting each other’s flaws
Nobody’s perfect. We all come with our own set of quirks and flaws.
The most enduring couples are those who have not only acknowledged these imperfections in each other but have also accepted them. They’ve learned that love isn’t about finding a perfect person, but about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.
If you’ve reached a point in your relationship where you can laugh off each other’s idiosyncrasies, support each other despite the flaws, and continue to love each other unconditionally, then you’ve overcome one of the most critical challenges in a relationship.
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It’s the imperfections that make things beautiful. And if you’ve found beauty in each other’s imperfections, then chances are, you’re in a relationship that’s built to last.
Embracing the journey of togetherness
Hopefully, if you’ve read this far, you will have realized that successful relationships aren’t about avoiding difficulties. They’re about facing them together and coming out stronger on the other side.
Because enduring love isn’t about having a problem-free relationship. It’s about having the resilience to overcome problems together.
Relationships, much like life itself, are a journey. And it’s not always a smooth ride. There are bumps, twists, turns, and sometimes even steep hills to climb.
But when you have someone by your side who’s willing to face these challenges with you, it makes the journey worthwhile.
If you’ve overcome these eight challenges as a couple, then you’ve already embarked on that journey of resilience and togetherness. You’ve proven that your bond can withstand the trials of life.
Cherish the battles you’ve won together and look forward to the many more victories that lie ahead. Because if you’ve made it this far, chances are, you’re in it for the long haul.
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