Every relationship - no matter how perfect - has its share of ups and downs from time to time.
Sometimes things can get pretty rocky, and that's when it's time to start looking at different options for smoothing the relationship over.
Of course, the priciest option is counseling.
Although effective, it may not be what you need for your relationship if you're just experiencing a bump in the road.
A cheaper (and sometimes even better alternative) is to "do-it-yourself.
" Basically, self-help for relationships.
Now, don't take this as a bad thing.
Trying to smooth over your relationship by reading advice and doing it yourself is a good thing...
and it's something that should be used even when things are good in the relationship, so you can let the good times roll for as long as possible.
The good news? There is a lot of relationship self help material available nowadays.
Go to the bookstore and head on over to the relationship section.
You'll see literally dozens upon dozens of books on the subject.
Books like "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" and "The Relationship Cure.
" All these books are great.
But there's something important that you must do so they work for you.
It's taking action.
Just reading about self help for relationships is not going to get you your desired outcome.
You've got to actually put into ACTION the advice they give you.
For example, let's say one book tells you that you should learn to communicate better.
Then it goes on to tell you a list of ways to do just that.
What should you do? Exactly what the book says! I know it may be awkward, especially if you haven't been communicating that much in the relationship, but you'll have to push through that comfort zone if you're going to want the relationship advice to work.
Or let's say the book says you should have a date night, once a week where all you do is go out with your spouse somewhere nice and have a good time and tons of fun for a few hours.
If you just read that and think to yourself, "hey, that's a good idea.
It probably would help my relationship...
" and then do nothing about it, guess what? Nothing is going to change for the better! So you need to take that piece of advice and turn it into a priority! MAKE the time to have the date night.
And DO whatever the relationship self help book tells you to do.
Also, don't make the mistake of doing too many things at once.
As Confucius once said, "He who chases two rabbits catches none.
" So don't try and implement more than one or two piece of relationship advice at the same time.
Otherwise you'll stress yourself out and get nothing accomplished.
Instead, pick just ONE thing out of the book or article that can help your relationship immediately.
Then, focus on doing that one thing until it becomes natural.
Once that's happened, then move on to the next tip.
And so on and so forth.
Just don't get overwhelmed trying to fit in too much self help for relationships at one time.
Hope this helps!