What do we mean by Relationship Problems?

Most adults spend the major part of their lives in an intimate relationship. Such relationships can be very satisfying, they protect us from loneliness and they have a positive effect on our physical and mental health. They are also a great foundation for the successful care and upbringing of children. However, it is not all plain sailing.

Everyday problems such as financial pressures, bringing up children, sexual and emotional problems, issues of fidelity or the complications of second marriages can cause seemingly unbearable pressure on partnerships and family life. The stresses caused by these pressures can sometimes lead to depression or anxiety in one or both of the partners.

The variety of “couple relationships” today is much wider than would have been thought acceptable 50 years ago. Today we see married couples, couples living together and often having children without being married, and same-sex couples with or without children. However, the problems affecting these different types of relationship are much the same no matter how conventional or otherwise the relationship.