How to Fix a Broken Relationship Before It’s Too Late

Relationships aren’t always peachy. Even the strongest couples have their share of rough patches.

Tough times are one thing, but that’s (clearly) different from having a broken one.

Sometimes, relationship issues balloon into bigger problems that are too overwhelming for both parties to handle. Despite the (glaringly) obvious red flags, some couples put their blinders on and stay until they reach the point of no return.

That said, every couple should know how to fix a broken relationship before it’s too late. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t wait for the world to crumble before you work on saving your love.

Spotting Red Flags

“How do I fix my relationship?”—Pause; scratch that. Before trying to find the answer to this question, ask yourself what needs fixing.

This won’t be pretty. However, you won’t know how to address your issues if you don’t know what they are in the first place.

Here are some possible reasons for the trouble in paradise. If you observe these in your relationship, it should be enough reason to sound the alarm bells.

#1: Diminished effort

You know things are going south if effort starts decreasing. A relationship needs a ton of that for its sustenance, and it won’t happen if only one person holds up their end of the bargain. Both parties need to put in the work equally.

#2: Decreased intimacy

Intimacy is another essential component in a relationship. And we’re not just referring to the physical form here. Emotional intimacy matters just as much. When one starts avoiding or holding back from giving it, take it as a sign that something’s wrong.

#3: Reduced affection

Since we’re still on the subject of things decreasing, here’s another alarming one: diminished affection. This sign tells the situation of your relationship as clear as day. If affection is a staple, you should feel disturbed when you see it disappearing—gradually or altogether.

#4: Constant conflicts

Fights are normal. A couple has their moments of disagreement. What isn’t normal, though, is if those arguments become bad habits.

Add in anger and volatility, and you’ve got yourselves a dangerous mix. If those fights are over the same things, you and your partner have dug a hole, and it’ll be difficult to get out of that.

#5: Little to no support

A couple may look happy outside, but no one truly knows what they’re like behind closed doors. For all we know, one party, in reality, feels lonely.

When there's a lack of, or worse, no emotional support in your relationship, insecurities follow. You'll then start questioning and doubting yourselves, wondering if there’s something wrong with you—even if there isn’t.

#6: Resentment

Being mad at a partner is different from holding a grudge. The latter only brings pain, hurt, and doubt. The longer this lingers unaddressed, the more fragile a relationship becomes.

#7: Infidelity

Of all the factors on this short list, this one is arguably the most foul. Most people have this among their deal breakers for a reason. Cheating on a partner has consequences, with some more critical than others. There’s no going back from that mistake.

How Do You Fix a Broken Relationship?

Now that you’ve identified your issues, we can proceed to the specifics and tell you how to repair a broken relationship.

Broken relationships are dire states, but that doesn’t necessarily spell the end. Yes, they’re tough to resolve, but not impossible. Honest communication is (and should be) a given here.

Here’s how to save your relationship while you still can.

#1: Make genuine apologies.

If you want to learn how to fix a broken relationship with your partner, understand that apologies should be a given. Healing won’t happen when there’s no remorse.

Sincere apologies are powerful. They show that a person acknowledges and accepts their role in a mistake and expresses genuine regret for the hurt they caused. This power is why apologizing is the first tip.

#2: Practice and embrace forgiveness.

We know forgiveness isn’t easy. It shouldn’t be handed out like Halloween candy, either. However, holding long grudges isn’t an ideal way to live life. It’ll just further poison the already toxic relationship.

If your partner is as sorry as they say, learn to forgive them. Moreover, offer the same grace to yourself. Don’t kick yourself if you can’t grant it immediately. It’s a process and not a linear one at that. If they truly love you, they’ll understand.

#3: Give each other the necessary space.

Since forgiveness doesn’t happen immediately, allow each other the space to process that. And this doesn’t mean breaking up or icing each other out. Asking for it means wanting alone time. Trust that the distance will do your relationship good.

Say you’re having difficulty processing your partner’s cheating and need to be alone for a while. You can ask them for that space and put the relationship on pause. If they truly understand you, they’ll grant it to you with little to no trouble.

#4: Keep expectations manageable.

Perfection doesn’t exist, especially in relationships. The idea is an impossible fantasy you’ll grow tired of chasing. The sooner you realize that, the clearer your path to healing will get.

Set realistic expectations while working your way towards repair. Unreasonable goals will only lead to disappointment and heartbreak.

#5: Set boundaries.

Just because there’s forgiveness doesn’t mean things will resume as they were. Repairing your relationship means establishing and maintaining boundaries to prevent further friction. Not only will they protect your relationship, but your individuality as well.

#6: Exercise patience and empathy.

Just because you know how to fix a broken relationship doesn’t mean you can accomplish it quickly. Think of it as a construction project. You might identify more issues along the way and need more time to complete it.

Also, as mentioned earlier, progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes, you may end up back where you started. And that’s not an offense; setbacks are a part of growth.

And with that, give yourself and your partner grace. You and your partner’s progress, feelings, and experiences—all these matters. Walk this two-way street together for the best outcomes.

#7: Don’t run away from change.

As much as this sucks to hear, your relationship won’t be the same way as it was before its current state. However, don’t treat change like the boogeyman. Instead, see it as a chance to make it even better.

Making repairs to your relationship means change for both parties. Be open to shifting attitudes, habits, and mindsets to make way for growth.

Now that you know how to fix a broken relationship, don’t deliver half-baked efforts just for the sake of attempting. It may be daunting. However, don’t back down from it.

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