Many couples experience periods of stagnation in their relationships. According to one survey, about 65% of couples go through such periods. However, most overcome it through honest conversation and time. Yet, there are cases where overcoming it proves difficult. It's important to distinguish between stagnation and irreconcilable differences.
Symptoms and Causes of Stagnation
A common symptom of stagnation is feeling irritable toward one's spouse without apparent reason. Other symptoms include focusing only on a spouse's flaws or lacking emotional attraction. Behavioral changes in a spouse that may indicate stagnation include increased conflicts, reduced communication, and decreased physical intimacy. Major causes of stagnation include personality differences, loss of basic manners, and boredom in a long-term relationship.
Key to Overcoming Stagnation
The most important aspects of overcoming marital stagnation are conversation and time. Increasing mutual understanding through honest dialogue is crucial. Additionally, allowing time to pass often resolves issues. Spending more time together or adopting a positive mindset can also help. Sometimes, taking a brief break to focus on individual needs may be necessary.
Support Needed to Overcome Stagnation
Effective support in overcoming stagnation often comes from close friends or children. Especially to minimize negative effects on children, couples should address and resolve their issues together.
Distinguishing Stagnation from Changing One's Mind
Stagnation and changing one's mind are different. Psychologically, they can be distinguished by whether the current situation affects romantic feelings. Stagnation arises as a response to negative situations, whereas changing one's mind involves developing negative feelings toward a partner.
Methods to Overcome Stagnation
Understanding love is crucial to overcoming stagnation. Love encompasses not only passion but also intimacy and commitment. Thus, even when passion wanes, intimacy and commitment can help overcome stagnation. Building interactive and mutually supportive relationship models is essential.
Marital stagnation is a common issue, but it can be overcome through conversation and time. Understanding and supporting each other's issues are important, as is reconsidering the definition of love.
