Tips On How To Deal With Relationship Problems

At times, a couple argues over the same problems in a relationship but consistently finds a way to stop the conflict for the time being. This only comes back another time, leaving unresolved issues in a relationship to form an unhealthy pattern.

Compromise is never considered with the ideology that no one is deemed the “winner.” The thought process that the partnership should be nurtured and cared for instead of concerning themself with who’s right doesn’t play in. And the problem continues.

Working through issues together is a healthy sign in a relationship, but what happens when there isn’t a tidy solution? While navigating conflict is a normal part of being in a relationship, some problems are unsolvable. This begs the question: how should you deal with a problem you can’t fix?

Well, it helps to know how common this is. According to Dr. John Gottman, unsolvable relationship problems can make up two-thirds of a couple’s issues. Many issues come from things neither partner can change, but this doesn’t mean a relationship is doomed.

Frustration comes from treating perpetual problems like solvable ones. The goal isn’t to get rid of an unsolvable problem. Instead, couples should focus on managing these issues so they don’t create a gridlock. Best practices vary for each type of conflict, so it helps to know how they differ.

What Are The Types Of Problems People Encounter In A Relationship?

There are three types of relationship problems – solvable, perpetual, and gridlocked. All three demand emotional intelligence, conflict management skills, and commitment from both partners.

These issues aren’t static, either. Poorly handling a perpetual problem can lead to gridlock. Avoiding a solvable problem just means it will come back later, making it cyclical. Here’s how they differ.

Solvable Problems – Situational Conflict

Solvable problems are caused by specific incidents like one partner lapsing on chores or disagreement on a topic. A situational conflict tends to have a simple solution because it’s rooted in the trigger.

In other words, there may be no deeper meaning than the topic at hand. Couples can move past the situation by addressing it directly.

Perpetual Problems – Fundamental Differences

Perpetual problems, on the other hand, are rooted in the fundamental differences between partners. These problems come up when personalities, lifestyle needs, and perspectives naturally clash. A healthy relationship still gives each partner enough space for individual expression. This is why couples may find themselves at odds over the same topics — and frustrated by the lack of a solution.

Gridlocked Perpetual Problems – Unsolvable Problems

When a perpetual problem deepens to the point where it’s uncomfortable to even talk about, it creates a gridlock that halts the relationship.

Gridlock stems from failing to deal with an underlying issue. It makes it harder to connect with your partner or express your feelings, especially when the root cause is still hidden.

What Are Unsolvable Problems And Why Are They Considered Unsolvable?

A pessimist might say an unsolvable problem is an issue that will never go away. The trouble with this perspective is that it turns this type of conflict into a fatal flaw. If more than half of all relationship problems are unsolvable, then that can’t be the full story.

We can find a more useful definition by flipping this idea: unsolvable problems are challenges that can exist without overshadowing the relationship.

Progress doesn’t come from “fixing” anything because these problems are based on fundamental differences. Partners can differ on anything from intimacy needs to attitudes on money and still coexist happily.

A couple’s connection often comes from the differences each partner admires too. Unsolvable problems don’t need to be solved, they need to be managed with empathy and care.

The goal is to engage with the problem without it leading to gridlock. That said, unsolvable relationship problems can be hard to spot.

One couple’s fundamental differences may lead to a perpetual problem that another couple would see as solvable. A perpetual issue can manifest in ways that obscure the root cause too.

Dr. Gottman’s research names four conflict styles that can predict the end of a relationship. Known as the Four Horsemen, they are:

• Criticism
• Contempt
• Defensiveness
• Stonewalling

Criticism turns the issue into an attack on your partner’s character. Contempt uses disrespect, mockery, and name-calling to maintain superiority over a partner.

Defensiveness tends to be a response to criticism, but one that deflects responsibility, even when the complaint is valid. Stonewalling, often a response to contempt, is when someone withdraws from the conversation, essentially shutting down when their partner is trying to engage.

All four horsemen are in a form of gridlock because they force both partners to dig their heels in. It entrenches them on either side of the issue, which only solidifies their negative feelings.

5. Steps On How To Deal With Unsolvable Problems In A Relationship

You may be wondering: how do you deal with a problem that can’t be resolved? The good news is couples can still take actionable steps to manage these issues before they get critical.

1. Stop Trying To “Fix” The Problem

A perpetual problem becomes more frustrating with each attempt to fix it, so step one is to stop looking for a solution. Accept that the problem isn’t something you can make go away.

Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. It just means seeing the issue for what it is. Clarity comes when we stop asking, “How are we going to fix this?” With unsolvable problems, a more important question is, “Can I live with this, and if so, how?”

2. Identify The Patterns

If you and your partner keep coming back to the same issues, it’s worth investigating the pattern these conversations take. You might start off dealing with a specific, solvable problem, only to find yourselves on a topic that never seems to resolve itself.

Identifying the pattern can help break the cycle, or at least make you aware of the issues that drag every conversation back to the same issue.

3. Be Open To Digging Deeper

When we’re aware of the root cause, an unsolvable problem becomes more concrete in our minds. It stops being an abstract issue looming over the relationship, which lowers the emotional stakes for everyone involved.

As Dr. Gottman says: “If your heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, you won’t be able to hear what your spouse is trying to tell you.”

Unfulfilled dreams are at the heart of most perpetual problems, which is an uncomfortable topic because no one wants to feel limited by their relationship. Luckily, Gottman’s ‘dream detective’ principles help us understand our unmet needs without judgment or resentment.

Take a moment to explore the dreams and hopes that may have been buried in the conflict. Think about where these wishes have gone unaddressed, and how that feeds into recurring issues.

4. Break The Gridlock With Dialogue

In the process of uncovering your hidden dreams, you may unearth anxieties and fears around the lack of fulfillment too. That can make starting a dialogue with your partner even more stressful.

Gottman’s dream detective principles break the ice by asking couples to do three things:

• Express their unmet needs without judgment or criticism
• Soothe each other when emotions become overwhelming
• Define what they can and can’t compromise on

These three steps allow for productive dialogue by giving partners room to be vulnerable together.

5. Work Together On The Solvable Problems

Finally, fix the problems that can be solved. Gridlocks are hard enough without situational issues draining your energy too.

Working together on solvable problems frees up more space to enjoy your relationship. It’s also a subtle way to restore the sense of control that perpetual issues take away. Most importantly, it allows you and your partner to bond while nurturing the friendship that holds everything together.

Relationship problems, if not treated or dealt with early, can only worsen after marriage. The key is to become more aware that conflicts exist in any relationship, and that some of them can be unsolvable. If you’re currently lost in this phase of your relationship or marriage, you can talk to us about it. We’re always all ears.

6. Stop “Sweeping Unresolved Issues In A Relationship Under The Carpet”

As issues arise, work on them right then and there instead of pushing them aside, hoping for a better time so you can prepare. Hunker down beside your mate with as calm and respectful a demeanor as you can muster.

Choose to handle problems as they come forward without ending sessions until there’s a solution. That way, they can’t accumulate into a ball of problems that you ultimately don’t know how to handle; one at a time is much simpler.

7. Don’t Speak Poorly Of Your Mate To Friends Or Family

When you’re fresh from a heated argument with your mate, it’s better to avoid friends and family while you’re emotional. The tendency to vent will be there.

You want to avoid that since you’ll probably get judgment and opinions that will only add fuel to the fire. Plus, while it’s okay for you to be upset with your partner, it’s not okay for others to say negative things about them.

8. Use Your Words But Be Careful In Your Choice Of Words

Words are powerful. When used respectfully and carefully, they can help solve unresolved issues in a relationship. On the other side of that coin, when words are used destructively, they can wound to the point of ending partnerships.

Once you say something particularly damaging, there’s no going back. While you might be angry and emotional, it’s essential to try to reason.

9. Avoid Vices For Temporary Comfort 

When there is unresolved conflict in relationships, it can be stressful for mates, often leading to finding varied methods for coping.

Being creatures looking for comfort when stressed, many humans automatically head for the vices with either alcohol, tobacco, or food, and some choose to flirt outside of the partnership.

It would help if you considered how these temporary solutions could render permanent damage not only (in some cases) to your health but to the health of your partnership.

10. Breaking Up Should Not Be A Part Of The Conversation

Unresolved issues don’t have to lead you down the road to a breakup. That’s something that shouldn’t even come up during the course of any conversation or argument, regardless of the emotion involved. The staunchest stand should be that you will work the problems out.