According to Dr. Susan Campbell during her study of hundreds of couples, one of the greatest vaults a couple can face is the second of 5 stages in a relationship, called “The Power Struggle.” This is a time during which the romance stage wears off and reality sets in. Couples stop seeing similarities and only differences and flaws, one pulling away from the other as the other pursues them.

At this stage, the question posed is how one overcomes this while keeping their relationship intact.

Power struggles can quickly derail the best relationship if not handled correctly. It's hard to stay connected and feel close when one partner is trying to control or manipulate the other. So, how do you prevent power struggles from occurring or fix them once they have already started? Here are five strategies that can help you and your partner restore the connection in your relationship.

Make Time for Regular Conversations

The most important thing to do when it comes to power struggles is communicate. You need to make sure that both partners have a safe space to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs without feeling judged or threatened. This means scheduling regular conversations where each partner can express their feelings and be heard.

No matter how hard it may be, it is possible to overcome power struggles in relationships. All it takes is a little patience, compromise, and communication to get back on the same page. With these strategies in mind, you can keep your relationship strong and healthy for years to come!

Remember that relationships are all about give and take - by taking time to listen to each other and express your feelings openly, you can create a powerful balance of love and respect that will last you a lifetime.

Respect Relationship Boundaries

Both partners must respect each other's boundaries in order to prevent power struggles from occurring. This means respecting physical, emotional, and mental boundaries even when it comes to seemingly small things like personal space or decisions about how you spend money.

At the end of the day, relationships take work and commitment to thrive. By opening up communication and showing respect for each other's wants and needs, you can learn how to better navigate power struggles in a healthy and productive way. With patience and understanding, you can create a strong connection that lasts!

Compromise When Possible

Power struggles often arise when one partner wants something that the other doesn't. In these cases, it's important to be willing to compromise and find a solution that both partners can agree on. For example, if you have different opinions about how much time to spend with family or friends, try to come up with a plan that works for both of you.

Remember - it takes two to tango, and both partners need to be willing to make changes if they want the relationship to last. Be kind and understanding with each other, take time for self-care, and always show appreciation and gratitude for one another. Through open communication and respect, you can create a loving connection that stands the test of time!

Focus on Solutions

When power struggles occur, it's important to focus on finding solutions rather than just airing grievances or assigning blame. This means that both partners should be open to listening to each other and coming up with ideas that can help resolve the issue at hand.

If you and your partner are struggling to find common ground, it may be time to seek outside help. Professional couples counseling can provide the guidance and support you need to better understand each other's needs and learn how to communicate more effectively. With the help of a trained counselor, you can get back on track with your relationship goals - no matter what challenges come your way.

Take Time From the Relationship

Sometimes it's necessary to take a step back and take some time apart in order to reset the balance of power. This doesn't mean breaking up or ending the relationship, but rather just taking some space and avoiding any further arguments until both partners can come back together with clearer heads.

No relationship is perfect, but with some hard work and dedication, you can make yours as close to perfect as possible. So don't give up - stay connected, be respectful of each other's needs and feelings, and work towards a better relationship for both of you. With the right strategies in place, you can overcome power struggles and make your relationship even stronger!

If you're looking for more tips on how to build strong relationships, check out our blog for advice from experts in the field, or download the Clarity: Relationship Advice app for free in the App Store / Google Play!