Despite their vital importance in life, relationships can sometimes be stressful and difficult to manage. Conflicts and disagreements, which are often inevitable, can be a major source of stress in a relationship. However, conflict and how it is handled can be a major indicator of the health of a relationship.

Coping tips for healthy relationships include:

• Treat each other with kindness and respect. Disagreements may not destroy relationships. However, name-calling, put-downs, threats and other forms of abusive behavior can cause irreparable damage to a relationship.
  
  
• Be a good listener. Listening to one another’s concerns and complaints without judgment is sometimes all that is necessary. Showing empathy and acknowledging one another’s thoughts and feelings is also important.
  
  
• Express personal feelings and thoughts. This is crucial in attaining open communication in a relationship. People are not mind readers and it is also best never to assume anything. When in doubt about a particular subject or situation, discuss it in an open and honest manner.
  
  
• Work together to resolve conflicts in a positive way, such as by talking in an objective, non-accusatory manner. This can be achieved by using “I” statements such as “I felt hurt by what you said at the party,” instead of “You never support me in front of other people.”
  
  
• Brainstorm solutions that are agreeable for everyone and work to solve problems as they arise. Passive-aggressive behavior that concentrates on avoiding arguments can lead to feelings of anger and resentment.
  
  
• Think before speaking. This can help one avoid saying something that may later be regretted. If necessary, take some time to calm down by leaving the situation, going for a walk or listening to soothing music.
  
  
• Actively nurture a relationship by spending time together engaging in enjoyable activities. Relationships take work and time to develop. Balance personal and work time to avoid being constantly focused on one or the other.
  
  
• Have a positive outlook. Try to find humor in people, places, situations or things. This can diffuse anger, improve  mood and make life more enjoyable.
  
  
• Forgive, if possible, and do not hold grudges. Because certain things may be unforgivable to some people (e.g., infidelity, stealing), each person has to decide if that line has been crossed and the relationship is worth continuing. If it is, involved parties have to recognize that the past cannot be changed. No relationship can recover from past disappointments and mature unless both parties can find a way to let go of grudges.
  
  Also, apologize when mistakes are made. Willingness to make up after an argument is important if the relationship is to continue.
  
  
• Expand the support network. Building strong, positive relationships with family members and friends outside of the relationship can be an important source of support as well as diversion for everyone involved.
  
  
• Have realistic expectations for everyone. Most people have limitations on what they can accomplish, given their resources and the time available.
  
  
• Take care of personal needs. This can be accomplished by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting proper exercise and rest as well as engaging in personal hobbies and pursuits. Maintaining health and taking care of personal needs is conducive to happiness, which in turn, can enrich one’s relationships.

In some cases, relationships may require the help of a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, who can act as mediator and offer insight and practical advice.

Counseling, such as family therapy and couples therapy or marriage counseling, can help people deal with difficult situations in their relationship, including divorce issues or a loved one’s mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia). This therapy treats the family or couple as a whole instead of the individual, with a focus on relationship dynamics (the interaction of its members).

Other issues or situations that can cause stress in relationships for which counseling may be beneficial include infidelity, finances, communication difficulties, conflicts about child rearing, substance abuse, same-sex relationship issues, cultural clashes, blended families, sexual difficulties, infertility, anger and changing roles, such as retirement.