| It's always a heartbreaking moment when your | | | | with. If you can be seen to be doing this they, |
| relationship gets into trouble, your boyfriend or | | | | although possibly extremely hurt, will see if you as a |
| girlfriend decides that a long-term commitment is now | | | | person who is up to taking responsibility for their |
| no longer what they want. It can seem like the end | | | | actions. And hopefully they will do the same. |
| of the world, but there a few key steps that you | | | | When a relationship is in a difficult stage, the last |
| can take to try and prove to that loved one that the | | | | thing your partner will need is to be pressurized and |
| relationship is worth saving, and that you're prepared | | | | made to feel they have no space to move. That |
| to move mountains to save it. | | | | claustrophobic feeling when a loved one is constantly |
| Communication is a vitally important part of any | | | | harassing you does not put one in a position where |
| relationship, whether it's a rosy one, or whether it is | | | | they want to kiss and make up. So give your partner |
| one that is on the verge of ending. Talk | | | | some space, give them all the space they need, but |
| constructively, discuss your grievances and worries, | | | | be seen to be there for them if and when they need |
| and try and use these discussions as a basis to move | | | | you. |
| forward within the relationship. It is fundamental to | | | | Be honest about the things in your relationship that |
| keeping your relationship together, or parting on civil | | | | have caused it to come to this difficult moment. |
| terms. | | | | Truth is a wonderful thing, but sometimes you need |
| Although when things are tense, talking and listening | | | | to consider how you word your grievances so as not |
| effectively can be very difficult. Do not take an | | | | to put a negative spin on it. If there's something you |
| antagonistic approach and tell your partner all the | | | | need to say you should say it, but do try to work in |
| things that they did wrong. This will cause more | | | | a way that doesn't make your partner feel hurt, |
| problems and make resolution of the issues virtually | | | | angry or worthless. |
| impossible. Say what you need to say in a calm and | | | | These are some very simple strategies that one |
| gentle voice, and listen to what your partner has to | | | | should use throughout one's life and in one's |
| say. Don't just stare out of the window as they talk, | | | | relationships, but they are particularly important when |
| pay attention and be seen to be taking in everything | | | | you are trying to save a relationship that is in trouble. |
| they say. And even if your pride is hurt don't | | | | Ideally use them before it gets that far, but if you're |
| disagree with everything they say just for the sake | | | | in the 'last chance saloon' you have got nothing to |
| of it. There will be points that they make, that if you | | | | lose but try. Good luck and I hope everything works |
| are truthful with yourself you will have to concur | | | | out well for you. |