What are some of the early warning signs of relationship difficulties?

Noticing early warning signs of relationship breakdown can help a couple resolve conflicts.

Some early warning signs are:

• abandonment of joint activities - just living parallel lives
• recurring arguments which are never resolved
• feelings of dissatisfaction and unhappiness
• preoccupation with interests and activities outside the relationship, leading to one partner feeling neglected
• complaints of loss of feeling - one or both partner/s speak of no longer being in love
• an affair - becoming emotionally and/or sexually involved with a person outside the relationship
• increased fatigue and reduced ability to meet responsibilities at work
• arguments over parenting.

If your relationship has some of the early warning signs, it is time to seek advice. Counsellors can help you sort out what the problems are and help you find ways to try to mend your relationship. Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (family mediators) can work with you to define practical issues and identify present and future needs.

The sooner that you act on issues the more chance you have of resolving them.