1. Lack of conversation and discussion
People often complain that they no longer seem to talk to their partners. But if you get out of the habit of discussing things with your spouse, you'll end up like those couples in restaurants who have nothing to say to each other except, 'this meal is very nice'.

Watch the news together. Read the papers and then discuss. Save up bits of gossip or information that you can talk about together. One of the greatest joys in a good relationship is verbal communication. Don't lose it.
2. Late night arguments
Lots of couples fear their relationship is in danger when they find themselves arguing at the end of a busy day. This is dangerous because, there's tendency of carrying such an argument over the night, this is not advisable, make sure you settle all your quarrels before you sleep. No matter how late it may be.

3. Possessive mothers
Mothers of either partner can ruin a relationship - if they're allowed to. If you don't nip this kind of possessiveness in the bud early on, it can spell disaster for the relationship.


Couples need to tackle this together. You both need to agree on how much contact you are going to have with your parents and then stick to it.

4. Lack of romance
When we are first together as couples, we tend to be romantic. We ring up just to say 'I love you'. We leave notes for each other to find. Unfortunately, real life can get in the way of romance, and we can find that we've lost the romantic habit without even realising it.

Always kiss your partner before leaving the house. Hold hands when you watch television. Give each other compliments. Make sure you get out for a 'date' once a week - even if you have children and have to get a babysitter. An evening to yourselves where you ban all talk of the kids can work wonders.

5. Sex has become routine
Busy people tend to 'do' sex the same way because it's quick and it works. This can lead to boring sex. To spice up your love life, take it in turns to decide on a 'menu' of love. That way, each of you will be getting more of what you want, and it should build some creativity and inventiveness into the process.

Try reading each other erotic stories in bed. Buy a few intimacy gadgets or a luxurious lube. Talk about your fantasies and try a new position. Above all, make time for sex so it's not just an afterthought last thing at night.

6. Different attitudes to money
Sex and religion used to be the most difficult subjects for couples to tackle. Now, it seems to be money. So have a big 'money conversation' early on in a relationship to establish how various expenditures are going to be met.


Once you live together, it helps to have a joint account for all big outgoings like Buying cars or building houses. But keep personal accounts so that what's left after household expenses is yours to spend as you wish.



Talk about financial anxieties or irritations before they become major problems and they will be less likely to damage your relationship.

7. Lack of effort
Think back to how you used to act when you were first dating - how long it took you to get ready and what you wore.

You may realise that the two of you rarely dress up for each other or make much of an effort with appearance. This can lead to problems because it can indicate a loss of respect between the two of you.

8. Infidelity
If one of you has an affair, your relationship will need some serious re-building. All sorts of serious feelings of rejection and betrayal tend to emerge as a result, and getting over these can take a while.


It helps if both partners recognise that there may have been faults on both sides before the infidelity.

9. Jealousy
If one partner is a jealous and possessive person, this can make things very difficult. Assuming there is no cause for the behaviour, such as infidelity, the jealous person really needs to get help to deal with the inner insecurity and lack of self-esteem that are causing the problem.
10. Forgetting to say thank you
Relationships suffer when couples don't show each other enough gratitude. Often, couples get in the habit of taking kindnesses for granted. It's good manners to thank your partner for picking you up from work or for bringing you a cup of tea when you're tired. Saying 'thank you' increases respect between couples, and this is a vital component in any relationship.