How to Fix a Strained Relationship

From time to time we all find ourselves in strained relationships. Hurtful things may have been said, or feelings weren’t considered when we made plans. While strained relationships are never comfortable and can feel like the end of the world, there are some steps that you can take to repair a strained relationship.

Is it Worth It?

Before investing a lot of time and energy into saving a strained relationship, it’s first important to make sure that the relationship is worth saving. If it was abusive, or you no longer have anything in common then it makes sense to let both people slowly grow apart. You will also need to make sure that the other person wants to repair the relationship like you do, otherwise you will find that your efforts are for naught.

Heal Yourself

You may find that you need time to be emotionally and mentally ready to try to repair the relationship. Not only is that fine, it’s also healthy. You have to be in a good place yourself before you can help fix the problems in your relationships.

Assess the Damage

You’ll need to spend time thinking about what the main problem was in the relationship. This needs to be approached honestly, as it is easy to overlook our own faults. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. If the strain in the relationship was caused by a misunderstanding then it can be easily repaired.

Make Contact

Waiting for the other person to make contact first means that you could be waiting forever. Be sincere and allow the other person time to decide whether or not they want to try to reconnect with you. Don’t be showy, and certainly don’t try to make contact with them in front of a large group of people. Now is the time to be private and respectful of the other person’s privacy.

Apologize

Once the other person has accepted your offer to connect, you will have to apologize. No matter whose fault the problems in the relationship, you will have to take the high road and be the first to offer an olive branch. If the relationship is worth saving then you’ll find that this is easy to do.

Healing a strained relationship take a lot of time, patience, and effort. Unfortunately, relationships are easier broken than mended, and you will need to be calm and patient while trying to mend your relationship. If you have decided that it’s worth it, then proceed carefully and with a heart full of love.